CPCCLSF2001 Basic Scaffold

Breight Education – RTO #45006
CPCCLSF2001 Licence to erect, alter and dismantle

scaffolding - Basic level
Basic Scaffolding Learner Guide

BT-BAS-LG-001 Basic Scaffolding Learner Guide
Disclaimer
This resource has been developed after extensive consultation with industry partners. It is a collaborative view and does not
necessarily represent the view of any specific body. For the sake of being concise, it may omit factors that could be pertinent
cases. This product is meant for educational purposes only and is not a substitute or replacement for the workplace's existing
policy and procedures.
While care has been taken in the preparation of this resource, Breight Education (BE) does not warrant that any licensing or
registration requirements specified here are either complete or up to date for your State or Territory. BE does not accept
liability for any damage or loss (including indirect and consequential loss) incurred by any person as a result of relying on the
information contained in this resource.
Breight Education does not accept any liability to any person for the information or advice (or the use of such information or
advice) which is provided in this resource or incorporated into it by reference. The information is provided on the basis that
all persons (responsible RTO, trainers, and assessors) accessing this material accept responsibility for assessing the relevance
and accuracy of its content. No liability is accepted for any information or services which may appear in any other format. No
responsibility is taken for any information or services which may appear on any linked websites.
This training course is based on the Nationally Recognised unit of competence CPCCLSF2001 Licence to erect, alter
and dismantle scaffolding - basic level.
This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to safely perform advanced scaffolding
work.
Scaffolding work involves erecting altering or dismantling a temporary structure to support a
platform from which a person or object could fall more than four metres.
It applies to those working in operational roles. They generally work under supervision to
undertake a prescribed range of functions involving known routines and procedures and
take responsibility for the quality of work outcomes.
Scaffolding is a high- risk activity, that has the potential to lead to falls from heights and falling objects, it can be
dangerous if everyone is not correctly trained. This Scaffolding course is part of the strategy to raise the current
industry standards and maintain them to keep everyone safe.
Any person who is scaffolding and working at heights needs training, clear work instructions and must use fall
prevention and safety equipment. If there is any uncertainty about the use of any piece of equipment or
uncertainty about your task, you need to seek clarification from your assessor or onsite you need to seek
clarification from your supervisor or a working at heights specialist.
This guide outlines the competency-based skills needed to carry out basic scaffolding safely.
Basic Scaffolding Learner Guide Uncontrolled once printed Page 2

Version: 4 Authorised by: Linda Holmes
Released Date: 14-11-22
Next Review Date: 14/11/25
1 Table of Contents
1.1 Scaffolds and scaffolding ................................................................................................................ 9
1.2 Basic Scaffolding ............................................................................................................................. 9
1.3 Modular or prefabricated scaffolds? ............................................................................................... 9
1.4 Cantilevered material hoists with a maximum working load of 500 kg ............................................ 9
1.5 Ropes ........................................................................................................................................... 10
1.6 Gin Wheel .................................................................................................................................... 11
1.7 Safety Nets and Static Lines .......................................................................................................... 11
1.7.1 Safety net inspection ............................................................................................................ 12
1.7.2 Static lines ............................................................................................................................ 12
1.8 Bracket scaffolds .......................................................................................................................... 13
2 National Standard for High-Risk Work .................................................................................................. 13
2.1 High-Risk Work Licence [HRWL] .................................................................................................... 13
2.1.1 Lodging your NOA [Notice of Assessment] ............................................................................ 13
2.2 HRWL Card ................................................................................................................................... 14
2.3 Receival of your HRWL card .......................................................................................................... 14
2.4 Renewing your HRWL ................................................................................................................... 14
2.5 If your HRWL is expired ................................................................................................................ 14
2.5.1 High Risk Work Licences..............................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.5.2 If you have not renewed your HRWL within 12 months of its expiry date .............................. 15
2.6 Responsibility of a HRWL Holder................................................................................................... 15
2.7 Regulators Power ......................................................................................................................... 16
2.8 Scaffolding High Risk Licences....................................................................................................... 16
3 Knowledge Evidence ............................................................................................................................ 16
3.1 Acts and Legislation ...................................................................................................................... 17
3.2 Regulations .................................................................................................................................. 17
3.3 Codes of Practice .......................................................................................................................... 17
3.4 Australian Standards .................................................................................................................... 18
4 Key Elements of The Workplace Health & Safety Legislation................................................................. 18
4.1 Workplace safety information relating to your work may include: ................................................ 18
4.2 Working at Heights Legislation ..................................................................................................... 19
4.3 Duty of Care ................................................................................................................................. 19
4.3.1 Duty of Care – Workers ......................................................................................................... 19
4.3.2 Duty of Care – Employers...................................................................................................... 19
4.4 Safe Work Practices ...................................................................................................................... 19
4.5 Workplace information (Technical and Safety Information) .......................................................... 20
4.6 Workplace Hazards Consultancy ................................................................................................... 20

4.6.1 Site details ............................................................................................................................ 20

4.6.2 Task details ........................................................................................................................... 21
4.6.3 Hazard details ....................................................................................................................... 21
4.6.4 Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) / Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) ..................................... 21
4.6.5 Permits and Certifications ..................................................................................................... 21
4.6.6 Signage ................................................................................................................................. 22
4.7 Information about equipment: ..................................................................................................... 22
4.7.1 Service and Maintenance checklists and records ................................................................... 22
4.7.2 Manufacturer and Supplier specifications and manuals ........................................................ 22
4.8 Workplace procedures, including emergency plans and incident reporting ................................... 23
4.8.1 Workplace policies and procedures ...................................................................................... 23
4.9 Emergency plans and Incident reporting ....................................................................................... 23
4.10 Obtain and interpret information ................................................................................................. 24
4.11 Plan Work..................................................................................................................................... 24
4.12 Planning Scaffold Work................................................................................................................. 25
4.13 Workplace Communications ......................................................................................................... 25
4.14 Communication Methods and Equipment .................................................................................... 25
4.15 Written Communication ............................................................................................................... 26
5 Hazard Management............................................................................................................................ 26
5.1 Hazards commonly encountered in scaffolding activities .............................................................. 27
5.2 Control Measures ......................................................................................................................... 28
Controlling Hazards and Risks, control measures should be put into place before starting a task. ......... 28
5.3 Hazard Controls for an unfinished scaffold ................................................................................... 29
5.4 Reviewing and updating your risk assessment .............................................................................. 29
5.5 Safety Assessment tool ................................................................................................................. 30
5.6 Job Hazard Analysis / Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) ....................................................... 30
5.7 Permits......................................................................................................................................... 31
5.7.1 Other permits ....................................................................................................................... 31
6 Important Information About Working Near Electricity ........................................................................ 31
6.1 Minimum clearance distance from powerlines and electrical equipment ...................................... 31
6.2 Visual indicators to identify overhead electric power lines............................................................ 32
6.2.1 Markers of different colours ................................................................................................. 32
6.2.2 Tiger Tails ............................................................................................................................. 32
6.2.3 Marker balls.......................................................................................................................... 32
6.3 Establishment of Safe and Adequate Access and Egress ................................................................ 32
6.3.1 Access or Egress.................................................................................................................... 32
6.4 Changing Conditions ..................................................................................................................... 32

6.5 Adequate illumination .................................................................................................................. 33

6.6 Checking the Weather .................................................................................................................. 33
6.6.1 High wind ............................................................................................................................. 33
6.6.2 Wet / Raining........................................................................................................................ 33
6.6.3 Extreme Heat........................................................................................................................ 33
6.6.4 Extreme Cold ........................................................................................................................ 34
6.7 Pedestrian/ Traffic barricades and control .................................................................................... 34
6.8 Working Around Machinery and Moving Parts.............................................................................. 34
6.9 Exclusion Zone.............................................................................................................................. 34
6.10 Tools and Equipment .................................................................................................................... 35
6.11 Tools & Equipment at Height - Dropped Objects ........................................................................... 35
6.12 Safety Equipment ......................................................................................................................... 35
6.12.1 Safety harness ...................................................................................................................... 36
6.12.2 Energy absorber (Shock Absorber) ........................................................................................ 36
6.12.3 Lanyard................................................................................................................................. 36
6.12.4 Inertia reel ............................................................................................................................ 36
7 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) ................................................................................................... 37
7.1 General PPE.................................................................................................................................. 37
7.2 Safety PPE .................................................................................................................................... 37
7.3 Edge Protection ............................................................................................................................ 37
7.4 Access .......................................................................................................................................... 38
8 Dimensions of scaffold, maximum capacities and types of loads: ......................................................... 38
8.1 Static load .................................................................................................................................... 38
8.2 Live loads ..................................................................................................................................... 38
8.3 Dead loads ................................................................................................................................... 38
8.4 Dynamic load ............................................................................................................................... 38
8.5 Environmental load ...................................................................................................................... 39
8.6 Wind load..................................................................................................................................... 39
8.7 Load capacities and minimum dimensions for: ............................................................................. 39
8.7.1 Duty Live Load ...................................................................................................................... 39
8.7.2 Light duty ............................................................................................................................. 39
8.7.3 Medium duty ........................................................................................................................ 39
8.7.4 Heavy duty ........................................................................................................................... 39
8.7.5 Special duty scaffolds ............................................................................................................ 39
8.8 Engineering and supplier specifications ........................................................................................ 40
9 Mathematical processes for estimating and measuring loads for scaffolds ........................................... 40
9.1 Calculations .................................................................................................................................. 40

9.2 Measuring .................................................................................................................................... 40

9.3 Confirmation ................................................................................................................................ 40
9.4 Load Calculations ......................................................................................................................... 40
9.5 Calculating the Live Load .............................................................................................................. 40
9.6 Mass of Materials ......................................................................................................................... 41
9.7 Load Bearing Capacity .................................................................................................................. 41
9.8 Equipment Quantities................................................................................................................... 41
9.9 Equipment Requirements ............................................................................................................. 41
9.10 Calculating Forces and Loads ........................................................................................................ 42
9.11 Calculate the Dead Load of the Scaffold ........................................................................................ 42
9.12 Calculate the Distributed Dead Load ............................................................................................. 42
9.13 Calculate the Distributed Live Load ............................................................................................... 42
Calculate the Minimum Length of a Sole board ........................................................................................ 43
9.14 Working Load Limit....................................................................................................................... 43
10 Mobile Scaffolds............................................................................................................................... 44
11 Tubes ............................................................................................................................................... 45
12 Couplers........................................................................................................................................... 45
13 Selection, inspection, care, handling, application, storage and limitations of .................................... 47
13.1 Selecting and Inspecting Scaffold Equipment and Components..................................................... 47
13.2 List of Scaffolding Components ..................................................................................................... 47
13.2.1 Standards ............................................................................................................................. 47
13.2.2 Ledgers ................................................................................................................................. 47
13.2.3 Transoms .............................................................................................................................. 48
13.2.4 Braces................................................................................................................................... 48
13.2.5 Base Plates ........................................................................................................................... 48
13.2.6 U-head.................................................................................................................................. 49
13.2.7 Castors ................................................................................................................................. 49
13.2.8 Toe Boards ........................................................................................................................... 49
13.2.9 Decks .................................................................................................................................... 49
13.3 FSWR and Fittings......................................................................................................................... 50
13.4 Ladders and Platform Step Ladders .............................................................................................. 50
13.4.1 Components of a Ladder ....................................................................................................... 51
13.4.2 Pre-Use Inspection................................................................................................................ 51
13.4.3 Duty Rating ........................................................................................................................... 51
13.4.4 Load rating ........................................................................................................................... 51
13.4.5 Setting up a portable ladder ................................................................................................. 51
13.4.6 When installing access ladders on hung scaffold consider ..................................................... 51

13.5 Fibre rope..................................................................................................................................... 52

13.5.1 Fibre Rope Inspection ........................................................................................................... 52
13.6 Stairways and screening ............................................................................................................... 52
13.6.1 Stairways .............................................................................................................................. 52
13.6.2 Containment sheeting/screens ............................................................................................. 52
13.7 Scaffolding associated equipment ................................................................................................ 53
13.7.1 box spanners/Scaff key ......................................................................................................... 53
13.8 ......................................................................................................................................................... 53
13.8.1 Hammers .............................................................................................................................. 53
13.8.2 Spirit levels ........................................................................................................................... 53
13.8.3 Tape measures ..................................................................................................................... 53
13.8.4 Scaffold Belt ......................................................................................................................... 54
13.8.5 Podgers/Scaff ratchet ........................................................................................................... 54
13.8.6 Wire nips .............................................................................................................................. 54
13.9 ......................................................................................................................................................... 54
13.10 ....................................................................................................................................................... 54
13.10.1 Wrenches ......................................................................................................................... 54
13.10.2 Torpedo levels .................................................................................................................. 54
13.10.3 Spanners ........................................................................................................................... 54
13.10.4 Hammer drills ................................................................................................................... 55
14 Stability equipment and processes: .................................................................................................. 55
14.1 Sole plates and Boards ................................................................................................................. 55
14.2 Timber Scaffold Boards................................................................................................................. 55
14.3 Levelling ....................................................................................................................................... 56
14.4 Ties .............................................................................................................................................. 56
14.5 Bracing and propping ................................................................................................................... 56
14.6 Longitudinal or Face Bracing ......................................................................................................... 56
14.7 Transverse or End Bracing ............................................................................................................ 57
14.8 Plan Bracing ................................................................................................................................. 57
15 Relevant persons.............................................................................................................................. 57
15.1 Other scaffolders .......................................................................................................................... 57
15.2 Doggers and Riggers ..................................................................................................................... 57
15.3 Structural Engineers and Designers .............................................................................................. 57
15.4 Supervisors................................................................................................................................... 58
16 Load bearing capacity of supporting beams or structures ................................................................. 58
17 Workplace policies and procedures for scaffolding: .......................................................................... 58
17.1 Inspecting Scaffold Equipment ..................................................................................................... 58

17.2 Erecting, altering and dismantling scaffolds and equipment ......................................................... 58

17.3 Erecting a scaffold safely .............................................................................................................. 59
17.3.1 Foundations.......................................................................................................................... 59
17.3.2 Hazardous manual handling tasks ......................................................................................... 59
17.3.3 Scaffold erection ................................................................................................................... 59
17.4 Scaffold Tag .................................................................................................................................. 61
17.5 Unauthorised Access Controls ...................................................................................................... 61
17.6 Isolate Defective Equipment ......................................................................................................... 61
17.7 Handover Certificate .................................................................................................................... 62
17.8 Modifying or Inspecting a Scaffold ................................................................................................ 62
17.9 Dismantling scaffolds and equipment ........................................................................................... 63
17.10 Clear the Work Area and Store Tools and Equipment ................................................................ 63
17.10.1 Clearing the Work Area ..................................................................................................... 63
17.10.2 Reporting All Faults ........................................................................................................... 64
17.11 Manufacturer requirements for scaffolding .............................................................................. 64
17.12 Setting up Fall prevention and Fall arrest systems, including safety nets ................................... 64
17.13 Temporary Work Platforms ...................................................................................................... 64
17.13.1 Elevating Work Platforms (EWPs) ...................................................................................... 65
17.13.2 Mast Climbers................................................................................................................... 65
17.13.3 Workboxes - Crane-Lifted Personnel Boxes ....................................................................... 65
17.13.4 Workboxes - Forklifts lifted and Forklift Work Platforms ................................................... 65
17.14 Edge Protection Systems .......................................................................................................... 66
17.15 Edge Protection ........................................................................................................................ 66
17.16 Fall-Arrest Systems ................................................................................................................... 66
17.17 Catch Platforms and Safety Nets ............................................................................................... 66

1.1 Scaffolds and scaffolding

Construction work commonly includes scaffolds. They provide a safe, stable work platform when working
at heights.
Scaffolding is the individual components that, when assembled, form a scaffold. For example, tubes,
couplers and frames.
Scaffolding work means erecting, altering or dismantling a temporary structure that supports a platform.
The Guide to scaffolds and scaffolding has information on types of scaffolds and their uses.
1.2 Basic Scaffolding

Within this course your will learn the skills and knowledge associated with the following :
• Modular or prefabricated scaffolds
• Cantilevered materials hoists with a maximum working load of 500 kg
• Ropes
• Gin wheels
• Safety nets and static lines
• Bracket scaffolds (tank and formwork)
Following your successful completion of this course you will then be able to perform task associated with the
above activities.
Basic scaffolders can use tube and coupler when,
• Tie in purposes, tying of corners, handrails, security of kickboards and gin wheels.
1.3 Modular or prefabricated scaffolds?

Prefabricated Scaffolding - Prefabricated scaffolding is best defined as an integrated system of prefabricated
components with a pre-determined geometry of assembled scaffolds
1.4 Cantilevered material hoists with a maximum working load of 500 kg
A material hoist runs up and down the outside
of a structure using rack and pinion sections
that bolt together, the older hoists would use
a wire rope hoisting system. It is designed
carry materials up and down a building.
Under no circumstances can these hoists be
used to carry passengers. The gap between
the hoist and the landing floor:
• With out drop-down flap – 25mm to
100mm
• With drop-down flap 150mm
maximum150mm with a drop-down
flap.

The landing gate for the platform is to prevent material or people entering the path of the hoist and must be
a minimum of 1.8m high.
There must be an overhead guard to protect the
operator from falling objects.
Consult the manufactures specifications for the

height you can stand
The landing gate for the platform is to prevent
material or people entering the path of the hoist
and must be a minimum of 1.8m high.
There must be an overhead guard to protect the
operator from falling objects.
Consult the manufactures specifications for the

height you can stand the tower of the hoist above
the last tie.
1.5 Ropes

1.6 Gin Wheel
Gin Wheels
Gin Wheels are used to load and unload materials on and off the scaffold. The maximum lift must be no greater
than 50kg.
The Gin Wheel attachment area should have enough reinforcement to take the load plus any swinging movement
that might occur as a load is being raised or lowered.
If the Gin Wheel is installed on an unbraced Cantilevered Scaffold Tube, it should be positioned no more than
600mm out from the scaffold edge (approximately arm’s length).
The gin wheel should also have rope guides to prevent the pulling rope from dislodging from the sheave block.
1.7 Safety Nets and Static Lines

Industrial safety nets are sometimes used as an effective
means of fall protection for those working at heights where it
is not practicable to provide scaffolds or temporary guard
railings.
Safety nets may be used:
• During construction or demolition works.
• Under roof sheeting
• Scaffolding catch platforms
• During construction to prevent unchecked falls
• Circus activities
• Children’s adventure task safety nets
• Demolition works.
Safety nets may be installed where there is a risk of tools, equipment and materials falling from a height on
other workers, plant, machinery, structures or pedestrians.
Safety nets should always be installed in line with manufacturer’s specifications.

1.7.1 Safety net inspection

You need to inspect the safety net to make sure that it has been used, handled and stored correctly.
If the safety net show any of the following signs it is unserviceable/unsafe and should not be used.
▪ Having been dragged over rough surfaces or edges
▪ Contact of chords with sharp edges.
▪ Stacking of materials on net.
▪ Accumulation of debris in the net.
▪ Indications of people jumping or throwing things into the net.
▪ Indications of contact with flames or sparks from welding or oxy cutting equipment.
▪ Contact with hot gasses from blowtorches.
▪ Contact with ashes from chimneys or furnaces.
▪ Chemical attack.
Damage to the supporting framework from collisions or being struck by moving loads.
1.7.2 Static lines

Acceptable ways of securing un-terminated ends of a wire rope Static line:
• 3 Double saddle clamps.
• Machine splice with thimble eye.
• Suitable wedge sockets.
• Purpose-designed fittings such as swaged or pressed fittings.
For you to determine what type of tensioning device is required for the static line, you should always refer to
manufacturer’s specifications.
If the tension device used is not a turnbuckle or integral rachet and pawl system, you must secure the static
line after tensioning it.
When installing a static line to an anchor point, a collared eye bolt should be used to spread the load at the
lift point.
Life and static line anchors must be rated appropriately for the situation and number of workers.
The two classes/types of anchor devices for one or two people are:
1. Fixed anchors
2. Portable anchors
Two devices that can be used to tension a static line is rated turnbuckle with locking nuts, come along winch,
Turfer winch and a ratchet and pawl.
You would find the information about the minimum forces that anchor points must withstand by checking the
manufacturer’s specifications and the Engineers specifications.

1.8 Bracket scaffolds
Scaffold that has a platform carried on frames attached to

or supported by a permanent or temporary construction.
The maximum spacing between brackets supporting
50mm thickness solid timber boards is 2m.
Bracket scaffolds are often used for maintenance work.
Prior to installing a bracket scaffold on a tank, you should
consult a structural engineer about the integrity of the
tank.
2 National Standard for High-Risk Work

The national standard for high-risk work sets out the training and assessment requirements for a person
performing high risk work. Under WHS Regulations, scaffolding requires a high-risk work licence (HRWL) unless the
person is:
• Enrolled in a registered training organisation course for the relevant high-risk work; AND
• Being supervised by a person with the relevant high-risk work licence.
2.1 High-Risk Work Licence [HRWL]

Western Australia Regulations requires all HRWL holders to have
sufficient knowledge of the English language, both written and oral, to
safely do work of that class.
You must be at least 18 years of age to obtain a HRWL.
After successfully completing the National Instrument for the relevant
HRWL training you will receive a Statement of Attainment (SoA) issued by
an RTO.
Your Worksafe Accredited Assessor completes the document called Notice
of Assessment (NOA) following successful completion of an assessment for
a high-risk work licence class.
2.1.1 Lodging your NOA [Notice of Assessment]

You must lodge your application within 60 days of getting your
statement of attainment. The Notice of Assessment is valid for 60 days
and is used as a temporary HRWL until your high-risk work licence card
is issued by Worksafe WA.
You must always keep the Notice of Assessment on you when
performing high risk work for that class while waiting for your high-risk work licence
card to be issued.

2.2 HRWL Card
You will be required to provide the following information:
• Your name
• Current address
• Evidence of identity, e.g. driver’s licence or passport.
• Passport-sized photograph to be used on the HRW photo licence
• Copy of the SoA for the relevant unit of competency for the HRW licence
you are applying for.
• Details of any convictions for any offence under the WHS Act or Regulations in Australia
• Whether or not you have previously had an equivalent HRWL refused, suspended or cancelled.
2.3 Receival of HRWL card

A High-Risk work Licence is issued by Worksafe WA and may take between 3 – 7 weeks to be issued and posted.
On receival of your high-risk work licence card, you must sign the back of it.
Ensure you have provided to Worksafe your current and correct postal address.
Notice of change of address:
The licence holder of a high-risk work licence must notify the regulator of a change of residential address, within
14 days of the change occurring.
Penalty:
a) For an individual, a fine of $1,450
b) For a body corporate, a fine of $7,000
2.4 Renewing your HRWL

• All High-risk work licences are valid for 5 years.
• It is the HRWL holder’s responsibility to monitor the expiry date.
• Adding a new class to your existing HRWL does not extend the expiry date by another 5 years.
2.5 If your HRWL is expired

If your HRWL is expired and has not been renewed:
• You are unlicensed, and therefore you are not permitted to do any work for the classes listed on your HRWL
until your licence has been renewed.
• If you do any High-Risk work for the classes listed on your licence, you can be prosecuted as you are unlicensed.
2.6 Work Health and Safety (General) Regulations 2022

Current High Risk Work licencing requirements can be located in the Work Health and Safety (General) Regulations
2022; Part 4.5 - High Risk Work.
Information about your HRWL is covered on pages Division 1 – Licensing of high risk work; Subdivisions 1, 2 ,3.

2.7 Renewal of expired licence

A person whose high-risk work licence has expired may apply for a renewal of that licence:
a) Within 12 months after the expiry of the licence; OR
b) If the person satisfies the regulator that exceptional circumstances exist – within any longer period that
the regulator allows.
2.7.1 If you have not renewed your HRWL within 12 months of its expiry date
Notes for this Regulation:
1. As the licence has expired, the applicant cannot carry out the work covered by the licence until the licence
is renewed. An application made after a period referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) [above], would be an
application for a new licence under regulation 87.
2. See section 268 of the Act for offences relating to the giving of false or misleading information under the
Act, including these regulations
If a person fails to renew the licence and 12 months have passed over the expiry date:
• Then the licence cannot be renewed.
• The person will need to complete another high-risk work training course to become competent again.
• If they want to continue the high-risk work, they must enrol with an RTO and be supervised in the workplace
by someone who holds that specific class of high-risk work.
• If your Interstate licence is due for renewal and you want to obtain a WA licence (renew up to 3 months before
expiry, or up to 12 months after expiry);
2.8 Responsibility of a HRWL Holder

The legal duties of a HRWL holder are:
• Must take reasonable care of their own health and safety, AND
• Ensure their acts or omissions do not adversely affect the health
and safety of others
An employer may request to see evidence before you can commence

work that requires a HRWL. The written evidence that you can provide
for the class of work can be either:
• Hold the relevant HRWL; OR

• Are undertaking a registered training course of HRWL training

2.9 Regulators Power

Failing to work safely when performing high risk work can lead to the
licence holder being penalised under WHS regulations:
1. Their licence may be suspended or cancelled.
2. The regulator may refuse to renew the licence. (if the matter is raised at the time of renewal).
3. The regulator can direct a person to go for reassessment to determine competency. (do the course again)
4. The regulator may prosecute.
2.10 Scaffolding High Risk Licences

A person with an basic scaffolding licence is legally allowed to carry out the following tasks:
• All basic scaffolding tasks, all intermediate scaffolding tasks, erection of hung scaffolds, suspended scaffolds
and cantilevered hoists.
A person who has obtained their High-Risk Work Licence, before you can undertake unfamiliar scaffolding work
an employer must provide:
• Information
• Training
• Instruction
• Supervision
WHEN IS A SCAFFOLD LICENCE NEEDED?

A Scaffold Licence is needed where working platforms are at a height where a person or
object could fall more than four (4) metres.
Note: Under no circumstances may an employer /PCBU allow a person to conduct high risk work if they
are not competent to do so unless the person is enrolled in a course of HRW training and is supervised
at the workplace by a person with a current HRW licence for the work.
3 Knowledge Evidence
To be competent in this unit, a candidate must demonstrate knowledge of Safe Work Requirements for Scaffolding
Safety in your workplace starts with you. You must follow all safety rules and instructions while completing your
Basic Scaffolding Course, if you are unclear about what you have to do, ask the Assessor and they’ll advise what
you need to do and how to do it in a safe way.
Every workplace must follow laws, rules and compliance documentation to keep everyone safe. Safe work
requirements for scaffolding fall under the following:
• Australian Standards
• Commonwealth and state or territory work health and safety (WHS) legislation
• regulations and codes of practice
• local government regulation

Work Health and Safety framework for each state includes:
3.1 Acts and Legislation

Acts and Legislation
These are laws that you must follow to protect the health, welfare and safety of persons at
work. Acts can be enforced when breached and need to be consulted with when working at
heights.
Examples of the Acts:

• Work Health and Safety (WHS) Acts
• Environmental Protection Act
• Mines Safety and Inspection (MSI) Acts
• Aboriginal Heritage Act
3.2 Regulations
Regulations
These explain what the Acts mean with more details and explanatory information and must be
followed. The Regulations can be enforced when breached.
Examples of the Regulations:

• WHS Regulations
• MSI Regulations
• Environmental Regulations
• Heritage Protection Regulations
3.3 Codes of Practice

Codes of Practice
These are instructions on how to follow the law, based on industry standards. These are also
more prescriptive about specific areas of working at heights.
Examples of the Codes of Practice:

• Code of Practice for Working at Heights (Australian) is Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces.
• Code of Practice for Working at Heights (Western Australian) is Prevention of Falls from Height at Workplaces.
These codes of practices can be found by searching the Internet, WorkSafe WA (DMIRS) website:
https://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/worksafe.
Codes of Practice define and provide guidance to organisations where
activities containing some elements of risk are encountered.
Industry Codes of Practice must be consulted and kept up to date.
Australian Standards
These tell you what the minimum requirements are for a job, product or hazard and are very
prescriptive and explanatory. These can be enforced if referred to in the Acts, Regulations or
Codes of Practice.

3.4 Australian Standards

There are many Australian standards that impact scaffolding, but these are the key areas:
Australian Standards applicable to scaffolding:
• AS/ NZS 1576.1: Scaffolding - General Requirements;
• AS/ NZS 1576.2: Scaffolding – Couplers and Accessories;
• AS/ NZS 1576.3: Scaffolding - Prefabricated and Tube and Coupler Scaffolding;
• AS/ NZS 1576.4: Scaffolding – Suspended Scaffolding;
• AS/ NZS 1576.5: Scaffolding – Prefabricated Split-heads and Trestles;
• AS/ NZS 1576.6: Scaffolding – Metal tube and coupler scaffolding;
• AS/ NZS 1577: Scaffold Decking Components;
• AS/ NZS 1657: Fixed Platforms, Walkways, Stairways and Ladders – Design, Construction and Installation;
• AS/ NZS 2865: Confined Spaces; and
• AS/ NZS 4576: Guidelines for Scaffolding.
Acts & Legislation, Regulations, Cope of Practice and Australian Standards form the basis of all policies, procedures
and safe work practices within a company and/or workplace. It is important that you are aware of the requirements
relating to your work.
4 Key Elements of The Workplace Health & Safety Legislation

The following key elements of the WHS legislation will impact the way
you
do your job, and the responsibilities of your workplace, the legislation
also
outlines requirements for:
• The reporting requirements for notifiable incidents
Licences, permits and registrations (e.g., for persons engaged in
high-risk
work or users of certain plant or substances)
• Provision for worker consultation, participation and representation
at the
workplace.
• Provision for the resolution of health and safety issues.
• Protection against discrimination.
Many specific details relating to WHS will be negotiated within the workplace in accordance with the legislation. It
is important that you speak with your Health and Safety Representative or supervisor for more information on
how these elements will affect your day-to-day operations, or if you have any concerns relating to health and
safety.
4.1 Workplace safety information relating to your work may include:

• Legislation and regulations • Management plans • Code of practice
• Relevant Australian standards • WHS/OHS policy • Manufacturer’s instructions
• Operations manual • Safe working or job procedures

4.2 Working at Heights Legislation

The legislative definition of Working at Heights includes any situation where “risks to health and safety associated
with a fall by a person from one level to another that is reasonably likely to cause injury to the person or any other
person”. Work Health and Safety (General) Regulations 2022 Part 4.4 — Falls 78. Management of risk of fall;
4.3 Duty of Care

Work health and safety (WHS) laws say that all companies and workers need to keep
themselves and other people safe while they work. This is called a Duty of Care.
When working at heights tasks are allocated, all persons have a duty of care to follow
company and site policies and procedures. These must be reviewed prior to accessing heights tasks. Company
and site procedures must meet the current legislation as a minimum and can exceed these legislative
requirements.
It is essential to comply with heights safety systems legislation, codes of practice and standards because you are
required to by the law and there are penalties for not complying and they help to keep everyone safe in the
workplace.
4.3.1 Duty of Care – Workers

Section 28 Duties of workers - While at work, a worker must:
a) take reasonable care for his or her own health and safety;
b) take reasonable care for the health and safety of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions;
c) co-operate with any reasonable request the employer makes to comply with WHS/OHS requirements.
d) Not ‘intentionally or recklessly interfering with or misusing’ anything provided at the workplace for
WHS/OHS.
4.3.2 Duty of Care – Employers

Section 19 Primary Duty of Care. Employers (summary) - A person conducting a business or undertaking, an
employer must ensure the health and safety of a worker:
a) Provide and maintain a work environment without risks to health and safety;
b) Provide and maintain safe plant and structures;
c) Provide and maintain safe systems of work;
d) Provide adequate facilities for the welfare at work of workers and ensuring access to those facilities;
e) Provide information, training, instruction or supervision for the work to be undertaken safely;
f) Make arrangements to ensure the safe use, handling and storage of plant, structures and substances;
4.4 Safe Work Practices

Safe work practices are governed by legislative requirements and workplace procedures, and typically include the
following requirements. Some examples of safe work practices are:
• You must be physically and mentally fit for work before starting any job.
• No drugs or alcohol on site (most sites will do mandatory and random drug and alcohol testing).
• You must comply with your organisation's Code of Conduct in how you interact with others, for example, no
bullying, discrimination, unethical or unsafe behaviour.
• Select, check and use the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) for the task.
• Report unsafe conditions, activities, incidents and near misses.
• Report damaged or defective equipment for repair.

• Operate equipment within manufacturer specifications according to site procedures.

*Please note*
Safe work practices should be referred to, and documented, when completing Safe Work Method Statements
(SWMS) or Job Hazard Analysis (JHAs) as a guideline for how to carry out a task safely.
4.5 Workplace information (Technical and Safety Information)

Before starting your work, you need to make sure you have all technical and safety information, access the relevant
documentation and plan your work for the job. This will help you to do your work in the safest way.
You will be provided with the elements and performance criteria to safely erect, alter and dismantle scaffolding at
basic level. To keep yourself and other workers safe you need to:
• Follow your instructions.
• Follow all workplace rules.
• Make sure all equipment is safe to use.
• Carry out your work safely.
• Report any problems.
• If you think something is dangerous, tell your boss or supervisor as soon as possible.
Your worksite will also have instructions including:

• Emergency procedures, including using firefighting equipment, first aid and evacuation.
• Rescue procedures, especially for workers who have fallen and are hanging in their harness.
• Controlling hazards.
• Handling hazardous materials and substances.
• Safe operating procedures.
• Personal protective clothing and equipment.
• Safe use of tools and equipment
4.6 Workplace Hazards Consultancy

4.6.1 Site details
The people you should consult with about workplace hazards are
• Contact your Supervisor
• Contact your HSE Safety representatives
• Other workers
• Safety officers

4.6.2 Task details

Instructions of what the work is or what you will be doing (this can include diagrams or plans). Also, instructions
on how to safely do the job, for example manual handling techniques. Before starting any basic scaffolding task,
make sure that you have the necessary information and resources to do the job safely and efficiently.
You will need to consider and plan for the following (as a minimum) before starting a scaffolding task:
• Task plans • Equipment required for the task
• Access and egress • Availability of equipment
• Location of task • Ground conditions and suitability
• Height and width of scaffold • Weights and / or any other information that will allow the scaffolder to plan the job
• Load scaffold is to support • Safe work method statements or procedures for the task
• Equipment required for the task • Hazards and risk assessment for the site and task.
• Site induction • Other equipment being used on site
• Plant required for the task • Any legislative or regulatory requirements
4.6.3 Hazard details

Any hazards in the work area or related to the work at heights. This could also include instructions on how to
handle dangerous or hazardous materials.
4.6.4 Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) / Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS)
JHA / SWMS must be in writing and, as far as
practicable, set out:
• each high-risk construction work activity that is
or includes a hazard
• the risk of injury or harm to a person resulting
from any such hazards
• the safety measures to be implemented to
reduce the risk, including the control measures
which are genuinely based on the hierarchy of
controls
• a description of the equipment to be used in
the work activity
• the qualifications and training (if any) required
for persons doing the work
4.6.5 Permits and Certifications

Must be completed and approved before any services and work is undertaken, all sections must be completed to
ensure safety and injury protection resulting from falls. This permit must be accompanied with JHA or SWMS
before consideration for approval of works.

4.6.6 Signage
Site signage tells you what equipment you need to have, or areas that are not safe to be in.
4.7 Information about equipment:

Service and Maintenance checklists can be used to better track records of actions performed for quality and safety
purposes. An effective service maintenance schedule avoids equipment failure, which can represent not only
decreased productivity but also workplace safety risks to workers.
4.7.1 Service and Maintenance checklists and records

In addition, a maintenance checklist reduces human errors and contains important safety instructions that
minimize the chance of injury. What to do if you find faulty equipment - Isolation procedures to follow or forms to
fill out.
Service and Maintenance checklists and records are developed to highlight safety issues in tools and equipment,
repair and maintenance in workplaces and provide information on how to best manage those risks to minimise
workplace injuries and comply with occupational safety and health legislation. Checklists apply where any
inspection, cleaning, repair, maintenance and alterations are carried out.
4.7.2 Manufacturer and Supplier specifications and manuals

Manufacturers have a duty of care to build safety equipment to Australian Standards to be used in Australia. They
also have a duty of care to supply operating instructions on the safe operation of the equipment and must come
with the purchase of the equipment Manufacturers’ guidelines and specifications - how to use and maintain tools,
equipment and safety devices and systems.

4.8 Workplace procedures, including emergency plans and incident reporting

4.8.1 Workplace policies and procedures
You will be introduced to your workplaces policies and procedures as part of your induction. Make sure that you
know how to access the policies and procedures that apply to all personnel and those that are specific to your
work. Access will usually be through your supervisor or the company's Intranet. You must read and understand
the information and apply it to your work.
4.9 Emergency plans and Incident reporting
You will be provided with information and training on the

emergency procedures for the workplace and the procedures must
be tested. This will include an emergency plan.
In the event of an incident or emergency, follow site
procedures. These can be accessed from your assessor or
supervisor and are usually stored on the company's Intranet.
Evacuation procedures and are often positioned as posters on
the walls (as they are at Breight).
Your response may include, but is not limited to, the following:
1. Stop work
2. Resolve the issue if possible
3. Seek advice and assistance as required
4. Report the incident according to legal and site requirements

4.10 Obtain and interpret information
You will need to be able to obtain and interpret information, including Safe Work
Method Statements (SWMSs).
Most of the required information will be discussed at a pre-start meeting or shift
briefing given by the supervisor or the person in charge of the work. These meetings
are conducted according to site policy and typically include the following information:
• What tasks each person will be doing and where?

• Known hazards in the work area, including other workers and equipment and recent events
• Events that will occur during the work such as road closures/traffic management plans and shutdowns.
A toolbox talk or short safety discussion may also take place during the briefing. A record of the briefing and those
who attended will usually be recorded and kept on file.
BE PREPARED AND ENGAGED

Ask questions to clarify instructions you do not understand and offer feedback or suggestions if you have an idea
that can improve safety or efficiency of the task. Everyone involved in the task must be familiar with the plan and
understand what they are required to do. By the end of the shift briefing make sure that you know the job
specifications, site information and relevant procedures and work method statements to use.
4.11 Plan Work

Once you have all relevant information, read and interpret it in relation to the work site. Consult with the person
in charge of the site, your supervisor and the safety officer before starting work so that you are aware of the
relevant workplace policies, site-specific procedures and any hazards. You should do a Site Induction for each work
site you work on.
Orientate the plans to the work site and read through the job specifications. Discuss the task with other personnel
who know about the job, consulting with the following before you start:
Who What Information

Safety officers • Site-specific hazards
• Site-specific hazard controls
• Workplace policies
Authorised Managers and Supervisors • Job specifics
• Site requirements
• Local knowledge
Workplace engineers (where applicable) • Plans and drawings
• Load bearings
Other Workers / Scaffolders • Work place hazards
• Types of communication (e.g. signals) to be used during the task
If you find any differences between the information you have been given and the conditions on site, discuss this
with the person in charge of the project before starting the task.
It is essential that all people involved with the task understand the work plan, their tasks and responsibilities and
how their actions will affect others during the work.

4.12 Planning Scaffold Work

There may be other factors that you need to consider when planning out the task that are not necessarily safety
or site hazards, but hazards relating to the way the task is carried out. When planning out the task, some things
you may consider are :
Task Plans
Component Height and
and Access and Scaffold
s and width of
location of Egress Loading
Equipment scaffold
task
Availability
Risk Induction
SWMS of Weights
Assessment and Training
equipment
4.13 Workplace Communications

Communication with others are an important part of the risk management process and
should take place at all stages. Identifying risks and hazards and coming up with ways
of controlling them includes talking to the people with knowledge of the situation, or
who are directly affected by any action you may take.
Try to use clear, basic language so that nobody gets confused or misunderstands.
You should never work alone at heights. If you fall there would be no one to help you
so it is very important that you have good communication with the other workers
around you at all times. It is important to communicate with workplace personnel
/workers and safety officers before starting on a worksite to:
• To identify any workplace-specific hazards/ground conditions
• To make sure that the scaffold team is aware of any workplace policies, site specific procedures and hazards.
• In the planning stage of the task, talk to relevant personnel, e.g. supervisor, workmates or manager, to
determine the best method for communication during the task.
Plan out your work and make sure you all understand what each person will be doing and where. To be as safe as
possible you need to have clear and direct contact with other workers.
4.14 Communication Methods and Equipment
Communication methods include:
• Verbal communication, Written communication and Using signs and signals.
If using communication equipment such as two-way radios and mobile phones:
• Make sure that you know and follow your site's procedure for using the equipment
(For example, mobile phones may not be allowed on site)
• Know the frequencies and channels used for your site and task
• Check for an interference on the channel.
• Inspect equipment for correct operation before taking it on site
• Tag out and report faulty equipment
• Have spare batteries and a backup method of communication if travelling in a remote area.
• Make sure you can see and hear each other. If you can’t, you should use hand signals or some other way to
communicate.

4.15 Written Communication

Don’t be afraid to ask questions to make sure everyone understands the situation. You need to be clear about
what work you will be doing. Make sure you have
everything about the job written down before you start.
When developing written communication:

• Write legibly or type the information
(there is no point writing a message no one can read)
• Keep messages simple and clear
• Put information in a logical order
• Avoid jargon unless it is an accepted part of the work
site terminology
•
Written communication includes:
• Manufacturer's manuals
• Site procedures and work instructions
• Reports
• Log books
• Safety bulletins, alerts and notices
• Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
• Handover certificates
• Checklists
• Take 5s and JSAs
• Maps and drawings.
This includes what you will be doing, how you will be doing it and what equipment you will be using. Make sure
you have all of the details about the kind of work you will be doing and where you will be working. For example:
• On scaffolds
• In elevating work platforms (EWPs)
• On vehicles or other plant and equipment or above other workers
Work at heights can include lots of different types of work including:
• Construction
• Repair work or maintenance
• Cleaning
• Painting
• Installing or removing plant or equipment
• Rescue operations
All work at heights needs to follow worksite, environmental protection and company safety procedures and work
instructions.
5 Hazard Management
A risk assessment is mandatory under the WHS Regulations for all tasks that you conduct. Risk assessment are
recorded in writing and should be completed by all involved in the task.
A risk assessment will enable you to identify the hazards of the task and then determine what control measures
need to be put in place.

REMEMBER - Before you do anything STOP, LOOK and

MANAGE to reduce the chance of injury or harm to you or
others.
A HAZARD is a situation or thing that has the potential to

harm a person.
A hazard is a source of potential harm or a situation with a

potential to cause loss, that can affect people, equipment, the
environment and/or the organisation.
A HAZARD is a situation or thing that has the potential to
harm a person.
A hazard is a source of potential harm or a situation with a
potential to cause loss, that can affect people, equipment, the
environment and/or the organisation.
5.1 Hazards commonly encountered in scaffolding activities
• Falling from heights • Insufficient lights

• Falling objects • Mobile Plant
• Hazardous manual tasks • Electrical Items
• Pedestrian traffic • Overhead and Underground hazards
• Traffic • Damaged or poor-quality equipment
• Wind and other adverse weather conditions • Instability of work areas
• Working at heights • Plant and equipment
• Overhead service lines • Underground services

5.2 Control Measures

Controlling Hazards and Risks: Control measures should be put into place before starting a task.
The hazards need to be controlled to as low as reasonably practicable. You will use the Hierarchy of Control
pyramid to do this. The hierarchy of control diagram below shows the order in which you need apply control
measures to a hazard.
Most Effective
Elimination Least Person Dependant
Substitution
Isolation
Engineering
Administration
Personal Protective Equipment
Least Effective
Mostly Person Dependant
When utilising the hierarchy of controls, you must look for ways to first eliminate the hazards, then if not, can you
use a substitution control. If not, can you have the hazard isolated to prevent you from being exposed to the
hazard / energy source. You must follow this process and the last choice to control you from being exposed to the
hazard and risk is PPE.

5.3 Hazard Controls for an unfinished scaffold

The access should be removed, isolated or barricaded off and signage with incomplete scaffolding placed on it.
• Completely avoid carrying out the work at height and bring the job down to the ground, if
1. Elimination
possible. i.e.. break back light poles.
• Work only on solid structures that include safe entry and exit from the work area.
• Minimise the time exposed at height.
• Can you do most of the work at ground level.
2. Substitution
• Can you use safer equipment to access a task at height? i.e.. erect scaffold by building modules,
crane it up (minimises working at heights duration).
• Can you work off scaffold instead of a platform step ladder?
Lower the risk of a worker falling by using one or more of the following things:
• A fall prevention device like guardrails or edge protection. i.e.. Guardrails on fixed platforms,
EWP baskets and scaffolds.
3. Isolation • A work positioning system like an elevating work platform if you can’t use edge protection.
• A fall-arrest system if you can’t use either fall prevention or positioning systems.
• Stairs.
• Temporary hard barricades.
• Engineered equipment to gain access to work areas at height.
4. Engineering i.e.. Ladders, Platform Ladders, EWPs, Scaffolding, Fixed Platforms, Fixed Stairs, Personal Cage
on a Crane or Forklift.
5. Administration • WAH permit, JHA/THA/JSA, training, signs and soft barricades, spotters.
6. Personal Protection • WAH PPE: Harnesses, lanyards, fall arresters, chin straps, anchor slings, karabiners.
Equipment • STANDARD PPE: Hard hat, steel capped boots, gloves, safety glasses.
5.4 Reviewing and updating your risk assessment

Conditions may change during your work task. The risk assessment needs to be reviewed and updated to ensure
that no new hazards have risen and if additional controls need to be implemented. Weather conditions could
change, other work groups come into your area, or your job scope could change.

5.5 Safety Assessment tool

Before starting your work, there are two main documents that need to be obtained, completed, interpreted and
confirmed prior to working at heights. These are required to ensure that the risks and hazards have been identified
and controls have been selected to eliminate or minimise the risk associated with the hazards.
Examples of safety assessment tools are JHA’s or SWMS.
5.6 Job Hazard Analysis / Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)

A JHA is a written procedure developed to review work steps and their associated hazards in order to put in place
correct solutions to eliminate or minimise the risk of those hazards.
A JHA is sometimes referred to as a Job Safety Analysis (JSA), Task Hazard Analysis (THA), Safe Work Method
Statement (SWMS) or Work Method Statement (WMS).
When you have completed your JHA /SWMS you will need to get it
reviewed and authorised by your Supervisor.
Basic Scaffolder may be required to participate in the completion of a JHA and
sign the form
Completing a JHA / Safe Work Method Statement
No. Steps
1 Break the job down into logical steps taking into consideration what is required to be achieved by the task.
Against each step, identify the workplace hazards in this activity i.e. the ways that a person [or plant] could be
2 injured or harmed [or damaged] during each step.
Decide on measures required to mitigate hazards. i.e. what could be done to make the job safer and prevent the
3 injuries or harm that may occur.
4 Ensure the JHA/SWMS is fully understood by all workers prior to commencing the task.
5 The JHA needs to be reviewed and updated if/when conditions change

5.7 Permits
A permit to work or work permit is a formal written authority to operate a planned work procedure. It is designed
to provide protection for workers who are working in hazardous situations. It ensures that management systems
are followed in a way that makes sure that the job is done safely.
A permit to work system prevents workers from working on that project until the risk assessment has been carried
out and the necessary changes implemented. A permit to work system provides a procedure for returning the work
area to a safe state on completion of the work.
The Permit Issuer has had additional training and is authorised to validate the permit or certificate when satisfied
that the job can be conducted safely with the right controls in place.
5.7.1 Other permits
Other permits that may be required for scaffolding could be:
• Working at heights
• Confined spaces
6 Important Information About Working Near Electricity

Electric lines whether overhead or underground can be a significant hazard. Most Scaffold components are
conductive, so All work carried out on or close too electrical installations should be isolated before starting any
work.
Scaffold is being erected near overhead electric lines:
6.1 Minimum clearance distance from powerlines and electrical equipment

Minimum clearance distance for scaffolding work from powerlines and electrical equipment:
• Law relating to power line distances in Western Australia, is Regulation 166A in the WHS Legislation
Regulations and states the following as the minimum distances:
Power Line Type Distance
Up to 1kV (insulated) 0.5m
Up to 1kV (uninsulated) 1.0m
Above 1kV and up to 33kV 3.0m
Above 33kV 6.0m
If you are working on a Mine site, it is best to ask what the clients nominated distance to maintain clear of
powerlines as it may be more than above nominated
Refer to the local electrical authority for information and advice to determine the voltage of electric / power lines
in your work area.
Generally, if you are required to work closer than the prescribed safe work distance you must:
• Get an access permit from the relevant local electrical/power authority.
• Where possible, have the electrical power disconnected or the electric lines appropriately insulated
by contacting the relevant electrical supply authority.
• If the electric/power lines are being insulated, the insulation must extend at
least 5 metres past each end of the scaffold.
• Use a guide/observer/spotter, within the exclusion zone may also be appropriate, dependant on
legislation within the state or territory. This is to ensure that powerlines are not contacted.

6.2 Visual indicators to identify overhead electric power lines

Include:
6.2.1 Markers of different colours
Warning Markers have been specifically designed for installation on either an overhead
power line to provide a high visibility aerial warning, or on a pole to provide a high
visibility ground warning.
Provide an excellent visual warning. This can be for work sites where accidental contact
or collision is at risk and are ideal for visual identification of low hanging electrical
conductors, overhead wires and cables.
6.2.2 Tiger Tails
Tiger tails are used as a visual aid to identify the location of overhead electric /
power lines.
It is important to note that tiger tails are a warning device only DO NOT insulate
the electric / power lines so exclusion zones and safe operating distances must still
be maintained, even when tiger tails are present.
6.2.3 Marker balls
Marker balls are highly durable, permanent aerial warning markers suitable for
powerlines and guy wires.
They allow the electrical wires to be noticeable (especially during times of low visibility
or inclement weather) thanks to their bold colours. The most used colour is orange, but
you may also see red, yellow and even white marker balls.
Danger signs
A danger zone is a specific area surrounding live electrical apparatus that ordinary
persons, equipment and materials must not enter. The size of the danger zone is
determined by the voltage of the electrical apparatus.
6.3 Establishment of Safe and Adequate Access and Egress
Safe entry and exit are required for workers when erecting, using and dismantling a scaffold. Common means of
entry and exit include:
• temporary stairs or ladder access systems installed at the start of erection and progressed with the scaffold
• permanently installed platforms or ramps e.g. part of an adjacent building personnel hoists
• non-mechanical forms of exit e.g. a ladder or stair tower should be provided in case of emergency, and the
existing floor level of a building if entry from there is safe.
6.3.1 Access or Egress
• need to be clearly marked out, controlled, be safe, suitably constructed, well lit, unobstructed and well
maintained if they are to allow personnel and others on site to enter or exit quickly in the event of an
emergency.
6.4 Changing Conditions
Regularly monitor the work area for changing conditions or new potential hazards. Periodically check all equipment
during work to ensure that it remains safe, effective and undamaged.
Monitor the work area and equipment to make sure that:
• New hazards are identified and appropriate hazard controls are implemented straight away.

You may also encounter changing environmental conditions that can impact operations including:
• Windy conditions
• Rain/wet conditions
• Poor visibility
• Working at night.
6.5 Adequate illumination

Lighting has to be adequate for safe movement - Lighting in the workplace from both natural and artificial sources
is adequate for the movement of persons around the workplace. Poor visibility conditions can occur in bright
sunlight as well as rainy or dusty environments. Poor visibility may result in slip/trip hazards, inaccurate work or
increased risk of falling.
6.6 Checking the Weather

Plan your work so that work at height is minimised in extreme weather conditions. The weather conditions that
can change the risks or hazards associated with undertaking work at heights:
6.6.1 High wind
• High gusts of wind are unpredictable and cause a range of
serious workplace hazards associated with flying objects and an
increased risk of structural collapse.
• Strong gusts can cause a worker to lose their footing, knock you
off balance and fall to the ground, or blow equipment and
materials over the edge of the work area.
6.6.2 Wet / Raining
• Rain is particularly hazardous to workers who are working at heights due to surfaces becoming wet and
slippery, workers need to be very careful in what they do and where they step.
• If heavy rain blocks a worker’s vision, they could be at risk of tripping over a dropped tool or tumbling from a
raised platform and sustaining a serious injury.
Apply controls to minimise the risk, including the following precautions:
• Make sure that water does not pool around scaffold foundations.
• In wet conditions take extra care to prevent slipping on ladders and scaffold.
Lightning Storms
• Lightening can be extremely dangerous, especially when working up high,
precautions should be taken during thunderstorms to lessen the risk of being
struck. Seek shelter immediately in an enclosed car or substantial building.
• When thunderstorms strike in your area, it is important to immediately cease any
work being performed on roofs or metallic structures above the ground.
6.6.3 Extreme Heat

• Working in a hot environment can contribute to, or can cause, other serious health
and safety injuries because of a worker being possibly fatigued, physically weak,
having slower reaction times and poor judgement.
• \Worker can be exposed to additional heat (e.g., around boilers) this could
markedly raise core body temperature or increase sweating.

6.6.4 Extreme Cold

Cold weather poses hazards to anybody working outdoors, but the higher
you go, the more intense the conditions can get.
Prolonged exposure to extremely cold temperatures can often result in cold

stress which includes fatigue and mild to serious health issues such as
increased risk of incident / injury, hypothermia.
6.7 Pedestrian/ Traffic barricades and control

Vehicles or other mobile plant moving through the site can damage the scaffold and create a hazard to personnel
working in the area. Pedestrians and site personnel on foot may be injured by work activities. Check the traffic and
pedestrian routes before erecting scaffold. Apply control measures for traffic and pedestrians, Traffic control
measures, for example a qualified traffic controller or a detour to re-route traffic or pedestrians including:
• Signs and barricades
• Flashing lights
• A hoarding or gantry
• Pedestrian exclusion zone.
Where possible, keep the area clear of other equipment while the scaffold is being erected. Interaction with
other equipment can cause injury and equipment damage. The following controls can help to minimise the risk
associated with working near other equipment:
• Safety exclusion zones
• Workplace communications
• Barriers and signage.
• Ensure that tie tubes on the scaffold do not protrude, particularly if there is a crane operating in the vicinity
that could snag the protruding tubes
6.8 Working Around Machinery and Moving Parts

If the scaffold is being erected on, over or inside items of plant (e.g. conveyors, turbines, crushers), BEFORE starting
work you must make sure that all fail-safe and lock-out procedures are carried out to prevent the equipment from
being started up while the scaffold is in place.
• Do a risk assessment before starting the work.
• Follow the site's Isolation Procedure (Lock Out Tag Out)
• Safe work method statement relating to that work
• Confined space training and permits
• Safe access and egress
• Workplace specific procedures
6.9 Exclusion Zone

Install an exclusion zone around the scaffold to prevent unauthorised
personnel from entering the work area. The zone must be large enough to
allow for falling objects and include materials and equipment to be used in the
work operation.

6.10 Tools and Equipment

Select the tools appropriate to your job and inspect them to ensure they are fit for
service before and after each use.
The most common tools used by scaffolders are:
• Ratchet also known scaffold spanner
• Scaff Key also known as box spanner
• Wire snip/nips
• Adjustable spanner
• Tape Measure
• Spirit level
• Hammer
• Fall protection harness and Inertial reel.
•
NOTE - All tools must be attached to your tool belt by a suitable lanyard when working at height.
Some safe methods to raise and lower tools and equipment from one level to another might include:
• Gin wheel
• Crane
• Lifting cages
• Tool bag with shoulder strap
• Tool Backpack
• Approved rated lift buckets/ bags
• Manual handling - handballing
What method decided on should be identified and documented in your risk assessment.
6.11 Tools & Equipment at Height - Dropped Objects

Some key controls to prevent dropped objects we can use may include:
• Tool bags with shoulder straps
• Back packs
• Chin straps
• Infill mesh or encapsulation on the guardrails
• Long items stacked horizontally (i.e. scaffold tubes)
• Drop sheets on grid mesh
• Dropped object checklist
• DO NOT throw objects up or drop objects down
Drop zones are only a control to prevent personnel entering below a work area, but are
a requirement as a secondary control
6.12 Safety Equipment

Depending on the requirements of the job, you may need to use safety equipment to reduce the risk to an
acceptable level.

Safety equipment includes the following:
6.12.1 Safety harness

When working at heights you should have a full body harness on. The full-body harness shall be used in any
situation where a free fall of more than 600 mm is possible.
The harness should be worn and must be correctly fitted properly to make sure it will keep you safe if you fall. The
harness should be connected to an anchor or static line using the connection point on the front or the back of the
harness, depending on the work you are doing.
If a person has a fall in a harness the harness and all associated equipment must be tagged out of service and
inspected by a height safety inspector and then removed from service, removed from the equipment register, and
destroyed by the height safety inspector, safety equipment should be inspected before and after use.
6.12.2 Energy absorber (Shock Absorber)

This device is a component of lanyard systems that ensures the force on the body does not exceed 6 kN if the
operator is involved in a fall. To reduce injuries caused by a fall, energy absorbers slows down your fall by taking
the impact of your weight and stretching as the lanyard is pulled by your body weight.
Once an energy absorber has been deployed or partially deployed in a fall, it must be tagged out of service,
quarantined and removed from service. Your supervisor needs to be notified.
6.12.3 Lanyard
The purpose of a lanyard is to connect a harness to an anchorage point, horizontal lifeline or rail, or other
acceptable form of anchorage. A lanyard must have a shock (energy) absorber incorporated in its construction
to limit the force during a fall arrest, to no more than 6 kN.
Lanyards cannot be choked or back hooked around structure unless the manufacturer has designed the lanyard
for that purpose. The lanyard should be the right length for the situation.
As a guide it should be a length that doesn’t let you fall more than 2 metres before the fall arrest system takes
effect.
There are three different types of lanyards:

6.12.4 Inertia reel
Inertia reels are used to give you a free range of movement or extra reach compared to a lanyard. In the event of
a fall, an inertia reel will lock up the same way a seatbelt in a car does if you stop quickly. Inertia reels have a
designed maximum angle from the anchor point, make sure you know and understand what that means when you
are using it.
Inertia reels should NOT be used in the following situations:
• While working on a sloped surface (e.g. a steeply pitched roof) or any other surface where a fall may not be a
quick vertical one.
• Locked as a constant support for a worker during normal work.
• At the same time as a lanyard.
• Missing, illegible or unreadable tag
Inertia reels must comply with AS 1891.3 Fall-arrest devices

7 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is clothing and equipment
designed to lower the chance of you being hurt on the job. Most
worksites require workers to wear PPE before they enter the site.
It’s important you select and wear PPE appropriate to the site and
task you are doing.
PPE needs to be kept in good condition, inspected to ensure it is
safe to use prior to use and replaced if it becomes damaged or
defective.
7.1 General PPE

General PPE includes:
• Hard hats
• Non-slip safety work boots.
• Gloves.
• Safety glasses.
• Ear plugs or earmuffs.
• Dust masks or respirators.
• High-visibility clothing.
• Sun protection- such has hat brims, sunscreen lotion
• Chin strap on helmets and tool lanyards
• Always check your PPE before you start the task
7.2 Safety PPE
Safety PPE that can be used is
Safety Harness
Lanyards for tools
Lanyards to harness
Safety net
Static line.
Inspect all safety equipment before and after use.
7.3 Edge Protection

As with all scaffolds, edge protection is required where a person or
object can fall more than 2m. Requirements are the same for all
types of scaffolds:
• Scaffold tube, purpose designed component or hardwood may
be used for a guardrail. Fibre rope, flexible steel wire rope
(FSWR) and chain must never be used as a guardrail.
• Guardrail must be positioned between 900mm and 1100mm
from the work platform surface.
• Toe boards must extend at least 150mm above the surface of the working
platform.
• Midrails, infill, brick guards or mesh must be positioned between the toe
board and the guardrail.

7.4 Access
Access requirements are the same for all types of scaffolds:
• Single industrial grade ladders may be used to access working platforms.
Domestic grade or extension ladders must not be used.
• Ladder access should be fixed in a position between 6:1 and 4:1 vertical
to horizontal.
• Ladders shall not span through more than 2 lifts/4m
• The minimum height that a portable access ladder must extend above the landing is 900mm.
• Ways of protecting the ladder opening on a scaffold platform are,
• Trapdoors, Gates and edge protection.
• An access ladder should be fixed internally.
8 Dimensions of scaffold, maximum capacities and types of loads:

When constructing a scaffold there are a range of forces and loads you may need to consider:
8.1 Static load
A load that is not moving (consistent load).
Static loads are objects or materials that do NOT move and the weight is applied
consistently.
This includes items such as: bricks, mortar and sand placed on the working
8.2 Live loads

The weight of the equipment and personnel / workers on the scaffold (in each bay).
The load of persons and materials supported by a scaffold platform in each bay.
The live load on the scaffold includes the weight of:
• Personnel
• Materials and debris
• Tools and equipment
8.3 Dead loads

The weight of a scaffold or hoist and its components before it is loaded.
The combined weight of the scaffold structure components (before it is loaded). Dead weight
includes the weight of:
• Working platforms • Sheeting
• Catch or access platforms • Platform brackets
• Stairways • Tie assemblies
• Ladders • Hoists
8.4 Dynamic load

Force made by a moving load on a resisting structure or component.
Dynamic load is caused by movement of scaffold against the supporting structure, for
example when boards or building materials are being hoisted up to the working platform
the scaffold framework may move due to the dynamic forces.

8.5 Environmental load

The weight of environmental factors such as water, dust and debris that may be on the scaffold.
The weight of any environmental factors, such as water (ice, snow, rain), dust and debris on
the scaffold.
8.6 Wind load

The force made by wind on a structure or its components.
Wind load is the force acting on the scaffold from the impact of wind. The higher the wind
speed, the greater the load. Screens, shade cloth and signs attached to the scaffold act
as sails and increase the load in windy conditions.
8.7 Load capacities and minimum dimensions for:

• Light duty
• Medium duty
• Heavy duty
• Special duty scaffolds
8.7.1 Duty Live Load
Scaffold working platforms, including suspended platforms, should have duty classifications and dimensions
complying with the manufacturer’s information on loadings. Scaffold working platforms are generally rated as
light, medium or heavy duty.
The load specifications required for each bay of a working platform are given in the table below.
Concentrated/Point
Platform Minimum Width Maximum
Loading
Light duty 450mm 225kg (2.2 kN) 120kg
(2 boards)
Medium duty 675mm 450kg (4.4 kN) 150kg
(3 boards)
Heavy duty 900mm 675kg (6.6 kN) 200kg
(4 boards)
8.7.2 Light duty
Up to 225 kg per platform per bay. Platforms should be at least two traditional scaffold planks wide - approximately
450 mm.
8.7.3 Medium duty
Up to 450 kg per platform per bay. Platforms should be at least four traditional scaffold planks wide - approximately
900 mm.
8.7.4 Heavy duty
Up to 675 kg per platform per bay. Platforms should be at least 1000 mm wide.
8.7.5 Special duty scaffolds
Has a designated allowable load as designed. Each scaffold should be designed to carry the required number of
working platforms and to support the dead and live loads. Where tools or materials are to be used or stored on
working platforms, an unobstructed access width of at least 450 mm should be maintained.
A special duty scaffold differs from other scaffold working platforms which are generally rated as light, medium or
heavy duty and have a standardised maximum load rating and minimum dimensions. Special duty scaffolds are
scaffolds that have a specified design load for that scaffold only.

• Prefabricated Scaffolding - Prefabricated scaffolding is best defined as an integrated system of

prefabricated components with a pre-determined geometry of assembled scaffolds. This form of scaffolding
may include suspended (swing-stage), cantilever, tower, modular, and hung scaffolds.
8.8 Engineering and supplier specifications

The specifications of the designer, manufacturer or supplier should be followed for the maximum loads of the
scaffold. The dead and live loads should be calculated during the design stage to ensure the supporting structure
and the lower standards are capable of supporting the loads that will be applied at the workplace.
If the scaffold is to be altered at the workplace, consider any new loads that may apply and consult the scaffold
designer. For example, wind and rain loads may increase if perimeter containment, shade cloth or signs are
attached to the scaffold. Staggering the joints in standards may help control the risk of scaffold collapse from
additional environmental loads.
9 Mathematical processes for estimating and measuring loads for scaffolds

9.1 Calculations
Scaffolding requires knowledge of basic mathematical calculations for tasks such as:
• Determining equipment requirements
• Calculating loads
• Calculating load limits
• Estimating load forces
This section describes the mathematical formulas you are likely to use.
9.2 Measuring
Take care of measuring instruments such as tapes and spirit levels, as
any damage can affect your ability to measure accurately.
The convenience and versatility of steel tape measures make them the
most widely used measuring tool on a construction site. Metal tapes
can stretch and must be checked regularly against a measuring block to
verify their accuracy.
Tolerance - Measurements and Calculations
The nature of the work requires that measurements must be accurate. Tolerances may be the result of rounding a
number up or down to the nearest whole number or the ability of equipment to exactly measure materials.
Measurements and calculations must be kept within tolerance levels that are defined in the job specifications,
drawings, industry standards and other quality control documents.
9.3 Confirmation
For critically important measurements, check with a second person to confirm the result. Record measurements
and calculations correctly before starting the next task.
9.4 Load Calculations

Before moving any personnel, materials or tools onto the scaffold, calculate the maximum live load.
9.5 Calculating the Live Load

Calculate the maximum live load by adding the weight of:
• Personnel (taken as not less than 100kg per person)
• Materials (including the weight of any pallets, boxes and drums)
• Tools and equipment.

9.6 Mass of Materials

To calculate the weight of material, first estimate its size. Multiply the size by the mass of the material per cubic
tonne. To determine the mass of a material, use a chart similar to the following table.
Material Mass Material Mass
1 cubic metre of Hardwood 1.1 tonne 1 cubic metre of Steel 7.84 tonne
1 cubic metre of Concrete 2.4 tonne 1 cubic metre of Water 1.0 tonne
9.7 Load Bearing Capacity
The load bearing capacity of the surface will vary depending on the type of ground and the amount of water
in the ground. Stable, solid ground has the maximum capacity, while wet, soft ground that is unstable has the
minimum capacity.
The table ranks various ground types from maximum (1) which is the most stable and solid ground (maximum
bearing capacity) to minimum (9) which is the least stable and has the minimum load bearing capacity.
Rank Ground Types

Maximum 1 Hard rock
2 Shale rock and sandstone
3 Compacted gravel (with up to 20% sand)
Minimum
4 Asphalt
5 Compacted sand
6 Stiff clay (dry)
7 Soft clay (dry)
8 Loose sand
9 Wet clay
9.8 Equipment Quantities

Before starting to assemble the scaffolding, use the scaffold plan to:
• Determine the equipment requirements.
• Calculate the total weight of the scaffold components (the Dead Weight)
• Calculate the forces and loads that impact on the components.
9.9 Equipment Requirements

To construct the scaffolding shown in the drawing, you need the following quantities of each component.

9.10 Calculating Forces and Loads

In addition to knowing the weight of the load to be placed on the scaffold, you may need to calculate the forces
and loads acting on the scaffold components to be sure the scaffold is suitable for the task. The calculations will
include:
• Total weight of all scaffold components (Dead Load of Scaffold)
• Distributed Dead Load on a single standard and base plate
• Distributed Live Load on a single standard and base plate
• Minimum length of a sole board.
9.11 Calculate the Dead Load of the Scaffold

The Dead Load of the scaffold is the sum of all the scaffold components. Calculate the Dead Load of the scaffold
by multiplying the quantity by the component weight and adding all the components together.
Formula: Dead Load of Scaffold

Component quantity x Component weight
9.12 Calculate the Distributed Dead Load

The Distributed Dead Load is the load on an individual standard or baseplate. The weight of the scaffold is
distributed across each bay. Therefore, each standard and baseplate shares the load of the bay that it is supporting.
Formula: Distributed Dead Load
Weight of the adjustable base plate

+ Weight of the standard
+ Half the weight of each ledger attached to the
standard (each ledger is supported by two standards)
+ Half of the weight of each transom attached to the
standard (each transom is supported by two
standards)
+ Half the weight of each brace attached to the
standard (each brace is supported by two standards)
+ Quarter of the weight of each work platform (each
work platform is supported by 4 standards).
9.13 Calculate the Distributed Live Load

The Distributed Live Load is the maximum Live Load that an individual standard or baseplate can support.
The Live Load on each standard and base plate will depend on the duty rating of the scaffold.
• Light = 225kg
• Medium = 450kg
• Heavy = 675kg
Each standard is designed to hold at least 1/4 of the Duty Live Load per bay, leaving a safety factor of 1 standard.
For example, a medium duty scaffold that can hold 450kg per bay requires each standard to hold at least 150kg
(450kg ÷ 4).

Formula: Distributed Live Load

Duty Live Load (light, medium or heavy)
÷4
x Number of work platforms supported by the standard
Calculate the Minimum Length of a Sole board

The length of each sole board must be sufficient to support the distributed load on that point (i.e. the base plate
that is on the sole board), and will vary depending on the load bearing capacity of the ground.
NOTE: The load bearing capacity of the ground will be determined by engineers after soil tests have
been carried out and the compaction of a sample of the ground has been measured. The bearing
capacity will be supplied to you.
Formula: Minimum Length of Sole board
Total distributed load (Distributed dead load + Distributed live load)
÷ Soil bearing capacity (in tonnes per square metre)
÷ Sole board width (in metres)
NOTE: When doing calculations, you may need to convert measurements into the same unit. For
example, because the bearing capacity is provided as tonnes per square metre, the width of the sole
board must also be converted into metres, or part of a metre.
Do this calculation in three steps:
Step Action Explanation

1. Determine the total The total distributed load is the combination of the:
load acting on the sole • distributed dead load (kg) – weight of the scaffold structure and components acting on a
board given point
• distributed live load (kg) - weight of the equipment, materials and personnel acting on the
same point.
2. Divide the total load The bearing capacity will be expressed as tonnes per square metre.
by the bearing
capacity of the ground
3. Divide the answer in The width of the sole board must be converted to metres (225mm wide, rounded up to the
Step 2 by the width of nearest part metre is 0.3m).
the sole board
9.14 Working Load Limit

The Working Load Limit (WLL), is the maximum load that any scaffold component or lifting device can safely
support, lift or lower. You can find the WLL for scaffolding components:
• In the manufacturer’s specifications
• Marked on the component, such as the hoist or gin wheel.
NOTE: The WLL of the scaffold or any lifting assembly is the lowest rated WLL of all the components.

10 Mobile Scaffolds
Mobile scaffolds are generally erected for jobs that are at lower heights and varying positions on flat ,firm, level
ground. Mobile scaffolds can be erected from modular scaffold and tube /coupler scaffold.
Mobile scaffolds must be fitted with a plan brace as close to the
base lift as possible. The purpose of the plan brace is to prevent
twisting when the mobile is being moved from 1 location to
another.
• Mobile Scaffolds must have wheel locks fitted to the
wheels.
• Wheels on a mobile scaffold must Not be pneumatic as this
could cause the scaffold to fall over.
• Access to a mobile scaffold should be internal for stability
of the scaffold
• No person shall be on a mobile scaffold while it is being to
another location.
• Wheel locks shall be engaged on All wheels before any
person is allowed on the scaffold.
To stabilise a mobile scaffold, you may consider:
• Tying the scaffold to a structure
• Guying to a supporting surface
• Securing counterweights to the scaffold
• Adding bays to increase the base dimension
• Fitting Outriggers to the base
• Adding a buttress section to the base of the scaffold
To minimise risk associated with mobile scaffolds you :
• Use a static scaffold where possible
• Disallow persons on the mobile scaffold
while it is being moved
• Suitable access
• Use braces
• Avoid sloping surfaces
• Ensure the ground suitability
• Lock All castors
• Always remain within the guard rails

11 Tubes
Tubes are the foundation of a tube and coupling scaffold. They are used as standards, ledgers and bracing.
Scaffold tubes are usually made of galvanised

steel or aluminium. They come in various
lengths ranging from 0.3m to 6.5m.
The minimum outside diameter of a scaffold

tube is 48mm.
The minimum wall thickness of a steel scaffold

tube is 4mm
Inspect each scaffold tube for defects and do not use it if any of the
following conditions apply:
• Outside less than 48.3mm
• Steel wall thickness less than 4 mm
• End of tube has been flame-cut
• End is mushroom headed
• Distorted or twisted tubes
• Bent or split tubes
• Heavy corrosion.
12 Couplers
The following table describes the common couplers (also called fittings) used to connect components of a tube
and coupler scaffold.


Couplers must fit the scaffold tube and are designed for the scaffold being used. Do not mix couplers from different
scaffold manufacturers. They may not fit properly and may have different safe working loads and failure
characteristics.
Inspect each coupler for defects and do not use it if any of the following conditions
apply:
• No manufacturer or supplier mark
• Distorted
• Stretched
• Cracked
• Damaged hinges
• Bent or stretched rivets or pins
• Stripped threads on bolts or nuts
• Seized bolts or nuts
13 Selection, inspection, care, handling, application, storage and limitations of

13.1 Selecting and Inspecting Scaffold Equipment and Components
This section describes the selection and inspection process for scaffold equipment and tools suitable for basic
scaffolding. Before you start work, follow the site procedure and use the scaffold plan to identify the equipment
and tools you will need.
If required, consult with other appropriate personnel, such as other Scaffolders,
Supervisor and the Structural Engineer.
The equipment you select must:
• Meet all regulatory requirements (e.g., AS/NZS 1576.1 Scaffolding - General Requirements)
• Have been inspected by a competent person according to regulatory requirements and manufacturer
guidelines and show evidence of such inspection (e.g., coloured inspection tag)
• Be inspected before and after each use to ensure that it is in serviceable condition
• Be the most appropriate for the task.
• Its important that scaffolding is inspected prior to use to make sure it is safe to use and suitable for the
task
• If components are deemed unsafe they will need to be tagged and removed from site.
• If scaffolding components are unsafe they must be tagged out and removed from site.
• Never mix components of two different scaffolds together as it may reduce the integrity of the structure.
13.2 List of Scaffolding Components

13.2.1 Standards
The standards are vertical tubes that shift the entire weight of the structure to the
ground where they lean on a square base plate to spread the weight and load.
13.2.2 Ledgers
Ledgers are prefabricated components that join between the standards. Ledgers are
48mm diameter tubes with a cast wedge fixing device at each end.
They are positioned horizontally between two scaffold standards to give the length of
the scaffold bay. They may also be fitted as a handrail.

13.2.3 Transoms
Transoms are horizontal load-bearing scaffold components for supporting planks.
Available in various sizes. Transoms attach to the standard at right angles to the
ledgers.
13.2.4 Braces
To make the scaffold more rigid and stable
Braces connect to the standard from 1 level to another. They are usually set up
opposite direction on each face.
Inspect standards, ledgers, braces and transoms for:
• Corrosion
• Indentations, cracks and other structural defects
• Straightness
• Clean and square ends
• Loose fittings
• Burrs and Bevels
13.2.5 Base Plates

You can select from different height-adjustable base plates that come with strong and
self-cleaning round threads to adjust to the ground.
Specifications for base plates are as follows.
• The minimum size of a square base plate is 150mm x 150mm.
• The minimum thickness of a square steel base plate is 6mm.
• The shank of an adjustable base plate must extend above the maximum nut
extension by 150mm (there must be a minimum 150mm of the shank inside the
standard).
• The maximum extension on an adjustable base plate is 600mm.
• The maximum load allowed on a steel adjustable base plate is 3000kg and on an
aluminium adjustable base plate it is 1500kg can also depend on the scaffold
design.
• Sole boards must be used to distribute the load to the supporting structure.
Inspect the base plate for defects and do not use it if any of the following conditions
apply:
• Base plate bent or distorted
• Thickness less than 6mm
• Surface area less than 150mm x 150mm
• Spigot length less than 50mm
• Spigot diameter less than 16mm
• Adjustable base plate does not wind and unwind smoothly.

13.2.6 U-head
U-heads are a type of baseplate that may be used where a cantilevered scaffold is set
up on beams or needles. U-Heads may be adjustable.
Inspect U-heads for damage and wear before use. If adjustable, check that it winds and
unwinds smoothly.
Do not use if faulty or damaged.
13.2.7 Castors
Castors must be the adjustable type so that the platform can be levelled on uneven
ground.
Do not use casters if:
• The WLL is not known (not marked on the caster or is unreadable)
• Wheel locks are not attached or not working
• Tyres are pneumatic (air filled). Pneumatic tyres can burst making the scaffold
unstable.
13.2.8 Toe Boards

A toeboard is a protective barrier installed on the edges of work platforms or other
raised areas to prevent objects from falling to a lower level and potentially harming
someone or causing damage to property.
Toe boards are placed between the vertical standards. Toe boards are available in
aluminium, steel or wood, must extend at least 150mm above the working deck.
13.2.9 Decks
Wooden Scaffold Boards (Decks)

Decks are also referred as planks and they are available in aluminium, aluminium
frame with plywood board and hot-dip galvanised steel.
Scaffolding planks are laid across the sections of scaffolding to provide workers with a
place to stand and to work from.
Defects could be • painted,
• Width less than 220mm • thickness less than 10% of original thickness
• Warped • deep burns
• Twisted • Branding markings not readable
• nails projecting out of any kind
• Minimum thickness of a
softwood
• laminated board is 38mm
• Maximum allowable gap between planks on a working platform is 10mm
• Planks can be lapped on returns of scaffolds, unusual profiles, on hanging
bracket scaffolds and cover gaps around corners.
• Planks of a different thickness should not be used because it creates tripping
hazards.

The span length of a board can be found marked on the plank its self also on the
manufacturers specifications in the Australian standards and the codes of practice.
Two associated risks with unsupported planks that exceed the recommended span
lengths, are risk of falling, plank failure, tripping, damage from scaffold failure and
becoming unstable.
Metal Scaffold Boards (Decks)

Inspect the metal scaffold boards/pans, for defects and do not use the board if any of
the following conditions apply:
• Deck is not marked in accordance with AS1577:
o Manufacturer name or mark
o Working Load Limit in kilograms • twisted, bent, split or crushed
o Maximum allowable span in metres • Heavy corrosion
o No end cap • Welds cracked, broken or missing
o Crushed • Rivets broken or missing
o Distorted • Ends crushed or hooks missing.
13.3 FSWR and Fittings

Flexible steel wire ropes (FSWR) are used for the termination of static lines and as guys for cantilever hoists and
scaffolds. FSWR is made up of a number of wires laid into a strand, then a number of strands laid around a core
to form the rope.
Commonly in Scaffolding, flexible steel wire rope is used for lashing of boards and can be made of 7 strands
The scaffolding FSWR lashing is 2mm in diameter and made of 7 strands
of wire.
Commonly a Flemish eye is created in the end of the scaffold
FSWR lashing to secure it.
13.4 Ladders and Platform Step Ladders

Falls from ladders have resulted in a significant number of serious and fatal injuries,
even when working at relatively low heights.
Use a tool belt or side pouch so that materials or tools are not carried in the hands
while climbing the ladder, make sure that no-one works underneath the ladder.
• Do NOT Allow anyone else on the ladder at the same time.
• Do NOT Straddle the ladder, and wear slip-resistant footwear.
• Do NOT Use metal ladders near electrical hazards.

Depending on the type of work you are doing, you might need to use a fall prevention system that is connected to
a ladder.
13.4.1 Components of a Ladder
13.4.2 Pre-Use Inspection

Prior to using any portable ladders, you must carry out a pre-use inspection
to ensure the ladder is safe for use.
Do NOT use a ladder if any of the following conditions apply:
• Timber stiles are warped, splintered, cracked or bruised
• Metal stiles are twisted, bent or kinked
• Bent treads
• Rungs are missing, worn, damaged or loose
• Welds are crushed or damaged
• Feet are damaged or missing
• Missing end caps
• The ladder is painted
• Ladder is not industrial strength.
When damage or missing parts are identified do NOT use the
ladder, place an Out of Service Tag on the ladder and notify supervisor.
13.4.3 Duty Rating
Portable ladders shall be rated as industrial grade in accordance with Australian Standards
13.4.4 Load rating
All work carried out at heights the Ladders must be industrial grade with a load rating of 120kg, serviceable,
correctly installed and manufactured for industrial use. .
13.4.5 Setting up a portable ladder
• Portable ladders should be placed, 4 metres up , 1 metre out at the bottom or 4: 1
ratio to a maximum of 6 metres up , 1 metre out or 6:1
• Portable ladders should be footed and or secured to prevent the ladder moving
(could be tied off to structure)
• Portable ladder is used to gain access to a working platform, the top of the ladder
should only extend above the landing by 900mm.
• Portable ladders should be set up on a hard-level surfaces to prevent collapsing
• Protect the ladder opening by using trap doors, gates or edge protection
• Ladders should be fixed internally to modular scaffolding
• A maximum of two (2) lifts can be serviced by a portable ladder
13.4.6 When installing access ladders on hung scaffold consider
• Angle of the ladder
• Extension above the landing
• Type of ladder
• Security of the ladder
• Fall prevention or fall arrest system.

13.5 Fibre rope

Fibre ropes can be used for lifting and temporarily securing components during the erection and
dismantling of the scaffold.
All fibre rope sizes are defined by their diameter in mm. The minimum diameters required for fibre rope
used in scaffolding are:
• 16mm for use with a gin wheel
13.5.1 Fibre Rope Inspection
Inspect rope before each use.
If a rope shows any of the following, it is not fit for use:
• Abrasions, cuts, broken fibres or strands
• Stretched or reduced diameter
• Excessive wear
• Signs of chemical exposure
• Brittleness
• Discolouration due to excessive heat
• Sunrot
• Mildew
13.6 Stairways and screening

13.6.1 Stairways
Stairways are typically designed and integrated into the main scaffold, the staircases provide a convenient, fast
and effective method of evacuation from a building in the event of an emergency.
Stair scaffolds need to be assembled and disassembled after each use and are better suited to larger projects than
smaller ones. Stair scaffolds have more components than ladder scaffolds and therefore not as portable as ladder
scaffolds
13.6.2 Containment sheeting/screens
Perimeter containment screens eliminate or minimise the risk of falling objects, exposure to electrical lines,
containment of dust and debris and when work is carried out near pedestrians or vehicles. Perimeter containment
screens can be made of mesh, high quality shade cloth, other suitable material.
Before using perimeter containment screening, consider other risks like conductivity of
electricity and additional dead and live loads.
The scaffold design and its ties fitted with containment sheeting should be approved
by a competent person, for example an engineer with experience in structural design.
Some of the hazards associated with containment sheeting are:
• Increased fire hazard
• Increased wind loading on the scaffold and ties
• Increased weight on scaffold
• Reduced light

13.7 Scaffolding associated equipment

There are many different tools and maintenance equipment you can use for the various tasks needed to construct
a scaffold, below are some of the tools required:
13.7.1 box spanners/Scaff key
A scaffold spanner usually has a box-shaped or ‘socket’ head on one (single-ended) or
both ends (double-ended) of the shaft (or handle). Scaffold spanners are essential tools
for all builders who erect scaffolding for building work.
The socket heads of scaffold spanners are flexible, which is useful in obstructed spaces.
13.8
13.8.1 Hammers
A hammer is required to firmly drive large sets of steel, pins or other materials and
components into place. This could be used on planks, or the locking wedges.
A non-slip grip handle with shock reduction would be beneficial and can reduce the risk
of injury.
13.8.2 Spirit levels

Spirit levels are a vital tool when working with scaffolding. The level ensures that the
surface being used or installed is flat. If a scaffolding is not level, there is a risk of the
whole scaffolding system tipping over, or a risk of the users slipping and falling.
Scaffolders tend to use a smaller level which they use while they are installing the
scaffolding and are able to attach to themselves using a lanyard, and use a larger level
to perform spot checks or when installing crucial components of the scaffolding.
13.8.3 Tape measures

A measuring tape will be used for various reasons.
When you need precise measurements in scaffolding, the tape measure is invaluable.

13.8.4 Scaffold Belt

A scaffold belt can be used to carry hand tools while working. A toolbelt is also an
important tool because it will ensure that the workers have their tools when they need
them. The toolbelt needs to be comfortable to wear, and also needs to allow the
workers to take and put back their tools with ease.
Always check that all tools and equipment are functioning correctly and that they do
not show any signs of damage or wear. This may also require attaching tool lanyards to
restrain tools from being dropped.
13.8.5 Podgers/Scaff ratchet
Podger tools are hand tools usually used for erecting scaffolding and other steel
structures. The spanner head is then used to tighten the fastener.
The tapered end is pushed through bolt holes of scaffolding to line them up, so bolt can fit
through aligned holes without being forced and damaged.
13.8.6 Wire nips

Industrial wire nips or cutters are used for cutting lashing for planks also cutting and
pulling nails out of boards.
13.9
13.10
13.10.1 Wrenches
The scaffold wrench will not only tighten the fasteners but loosen them if needed as
well.
Having a scaffold wrench handy is not only useful for scaffolding, but for any bolts or
nuts that are used on the site.
Adjustable Wrenches, crescent or shifter is normally used where an obstruction
prevents the use of a scaffold spanner.
13.10.2 Torpedo levels
A torpedo level is a type of spirit level that is an essential tool for any professional
working in tight spaces. The body of the level is made of either metal or plastic and
contains two or three tube vials. These tubes, or vials, contain yellowish or yellowish-
green additives and are used to determine the surface level.
13.10.3 Spanners
A spanner is a hand tool used for tightening and loosening fasteners used in the
construction of scaffolding. Its primary use is to put together scaffolding,in tight
positions where you may not be able to fit a scaffold key or podgy.
The spanner can come in different sizes to the task being performed.

13.10.4 Hammer drills

A hammer drill, also known as a percussion drill or impact drill, is a power tool used
chiefly for drilling in hard materials. It is a type of rotary drill with an impact mechanism
that generates a hammering motion and make holes in tough materials.
14 Stability equipment and processes:

The structural members of a supported scaffold used to increase the base width of a scaffold to provide support
for and increased stability of the scaffold:
14.1 Sole plates and Boards

Scaffold footing used to provide a foundation for one or more standards. Scaffold standards are inserted into a
base plate that sits on the sole board. May also be called a soleplate. Can be singular (for one standard) or
continuous (more than one standard).
Boards are used to construct working platforms. They can be made of timber, aluminium or steel and must
have the relevant information displayed upon them.
14.2 Timber Scaffold Boards

Specifications for scaffold boards are as follows.
• The minimum width of a timber scaffold board is 225mm.
• The usual thickness of a hardwood solid timber scaffold board 32mm
• Minimum thickness of a Laminated board is 38mm thick
• 1.8m maximum span and WLL of 210kg. Manufacturers specifications, standards, and codes of practice.
• Gaps of no more than 10mm are allowed between the boards of a working platform.
• Do not use boards of different thicknesses to deck out a working platform as it can be a trip hazard.
• Boards can be lapped on the returns of a scaffold also when there is a change in direction, on hanging bracket
scaffolds and unusual profiles.
• Board is not marked in accordance with AS1577:
o Manufacturer name or mark
o Working Load Limit in kilograms
o Maximum allowable span in metres
o Width is less than 225mm
o Nominal thickness is less than 10%
o Laminations are separated in a laminated board
o Board has been cut or notched
o Board is warped, twisted, broken, split
o Board is deformed by knots or shakes
Inspect the timber scaffold boards for defects and do not use the board if any of the following conditions apply:
o End hook iron is broken or damaged
o End fixing missing
o Painted or treated in any way to conceal defects
o Deep burns
o Deep oil stains that may make the surface slippery
o Projecting nails
o Rotting timber

14.3 Levelling
Levelling is a process of determining the height of one level relative to another. The operation of levelling for
determining the difference in elevation, if not too great between two points visible from single position of the
level.
A level is an optical instrument used to establish or verify points in the same horizontal plane in a process known
as levelling and is used in conjunction with a levelling staff to establish the relative height levels of objects or marks.
14.4 Ties
Ties are used to fix a scaffold to a building or steelwork. This is to secure the scaffold to
a supporting structure. They are most connected to the scaffold using a right-angle
coupler.
Ties need to be arranged correctly to provide stability to the scaffold. Ties need to be
spaced vertically and horizontally, considering the strength of both the tie assembly
and the supporting structure.
Scaffold ties need to be planned and spaced based on the instructions of the designer,
the manufacturer, or a competent engineer. The first row of ties must always be placed
no more than 4m above the ground, Every third bay, every second lift and at the ends
of the scaffold.
You may need to place more ties if the scaffold has been screened in mesh, if you feel
it requires more stabilisation, or if it is being used to hoist materials or people.
Always ensure that the scaffold ties are
interconnected with both the inside and outside
standards as this will increase stabilisation.
Types of tie assemblies consist of a box tie, u tie,
through tie, a double lip tie, and column tie and
a reveal tie.
It is imperative that all scaffold, not only have the
proper equipment and competent erectors but
have properly placed ties to assist with stabilising
and compliance.
14.5 Bracing and propping

Bracing is used both longitudinally and transversely on a scaffold structure. The supplier or manufacturer will
supply basic design criteria for locations of bracing.
When either manufacturers or suppliers do not supply bracing design, the following recommendations must be
followed.
14.6 Longitudinal or Face Bracing

The outside row of standards in the scaffold shall be provided with longitudinal bracing
that:
• Extends from the base of the scaffold to its full height (working deck).
• Is provided in both end bays of every scaffold run.
• Is arranged –
o Across the longitudinal plane of the bays, forming diagonal bracing.
o Up a bay, forming parallel bracing; or
o Up a bay, forming heel-and-toe bracing

Has any brace in sections joined by lapping or splicing and is fixed, as close as possible to the node points at every
crossing, to
o The standard crossed with a swivel coupler; or
o The transom crossed with a right-angle coupler.
The horizontal distance between intermediately braced panels in any lift shall not exceed three bays.
The purpose of a brace is to make the scaffold more ridged.
14.7 Transverse or End Bracing

Each end of the scaffold shall be provided with transverse bracing in each lift that
• Extends from the base of the scaffold to its full height (working deck);
• Is arranged across the transverse plane of the bay, forming diagonals; and
• Is fixed, as close as possible to the node points
14.8 Plan Bracing

• Horizontally between diagonally opposite standards
• Must be in the base lift of all mobile scaffolds to stop the scaffold from twisting
when it is moved
• Used to increase the horizontal distance between ties and improve rigidity and squareness
15 Relevant persons
Consultation with other relevant persons who you will interact with or cross paths when you are performing your
scaffolding work is imperative to ensure that any workplace policies and workplace-specific procedures are
adhered to identify (or be aware of) any site-specific hazards / ground conditions.
It’s important to ask and find out from your workers about any problems they encounter or anticipate at your
workplace when constructing or interacting with scaffolds and scaffolding work–consider operation, inspection,
maintenance, repair, transport and storage requirements.
People you should consult with about workplace before starting scaffolding work, include:
15.1 Other scaffolders
A scaffolding plan will help identify ways to protect you, other scaffolders and workers who are:
• erecting, using, maintaining, altering and dismantling the scaffold
• working near the scaffold or conducting scaffolding work
15.2 Doggers and Riggers
In preparing a scaffolding plan the person should consult with a range of other people relevant to the work i.e..
doggers and riggers, for example:
• Cantilevered Crane Loading Platform (CCLP’s) are to be lifted by cranes and
controlled by riggers; however, scaffolders are to be involved in the propping,
securing and bracing elements of the internal supporting structures.
• Inspect ALL lifting equipment and gear BEFORE and AFTER use to ensure it is safe
to use, this is done by a competent person such as a dogman or rigger.
15.3 Structural Engineers and Designers

In preparing a scaffolding plan the person should consult with a range of other people relevant to the work and
workplace, for more complex scaffolds a scaffolding plan should be prepared by a competent person, for example:
• the structural engineer to discuss the design loads and the capability of the structure to support extra loadings.

• the designer to discuss a design specifying an unusual base structure that must be erected to support the
scaffold may introduce unique hazards and risk controls.
15.4 Supervisors
A person with management or control of a scaffold at a workplace has a responsibility to ensure a scaffold is
inspected and maintained so it is safe to use. This includes inspections at hand-over and post-handover and after
scaffold repairs, modifications or additions.
16 Load bearing capacity of supporting beams or structures

Supporting structures, the scaffold needs to be designed to ensure that the load placed on the supporting structure
under the most adverse circumstances does not adversely affect its structural integrity or the serviceability of the
scaffold during the period of its service.
Where necessary, the supporting structure needs to be strengthened to ensure it has sufficient strength and rigidity
to accommodate the imposed loads. Provision may be required to prevent damage to the supporting structure.
Where soleplates are used, they have to be designed to have sufficient strength and rigidity to distribute the load
to the supporting structure.
17 Workplace policies and procedures for scaffolding:

The objective of Workplace policies and procedure for Scaffolding is to
provide practical guidance for training, the preparation of sites for
scaffolding, and the safe selection, supply, erection, alteration,
dismantling, maintenance, inspection and use of scaffolding and
scaffolding equipment.
17.1 Inspecting Scaffold Equipment
When you have selected the required scaffold equipment, you must
inspect all components to ensure that they are undamaged, safe to use
and suitable for the task. Inspections must be carried out and recorded
according to Manufacturer guidelines, Industry standards and Work site procedures.
Never mix components of two different scaffolding systems, it may reduce the structural integrity.
As you inspect equipment, sort and place components in a logical arrangement, e.g. according to type, size and
task sequence, to assist with identification and retrieval once the scaffolding task has started. This will also help
you to ensure that you have all required components and is particularly relevant if you are not working close to
the Scaff yard.
17.2 Erecting, altering and dismantling scaffolds and equipment
The sequence of work should be planned and followed for each type of scaffold to be constructed. The sequence
of work should include consideration of the following unless you have developed an alternative process that
provides an equivalent or higher level of work health and safety.

17.3 Erecting a scaffold safely

Erecting a scaffold safely will include preparing the foundations for the scaffold:
• installing soleboards and baseplates where required
• erecting the scaffold - (including for adequate access and work platforms that minimise the risk to those doing
the scaffolding work and people who will use the scaffold).
17.3.1 Foundations
Scaffold foundations should be designed and constructed to carry and distribute the full weight of the scaffold
including both dead and live loads.
Ground conditions, the effects of the weather—particularly wind and rain—and live loads should be considered
when designing and preparing the scaffold foundation.
Ground conditions/ Surrounding/ Supporting Structures
It very important to be aware of the surface conditions before starting scaffolding activities to make sure the
surface can support the scaffold in a safe manner. Seek advice from a competent person such as a structural
engineer confirm through an engineer's report.
17.3.2 Hazardous manual handling tasks
A hazardous manual task is a task requiring a person to lift, lower, push, pull, carry or otherwise move, hold or
restrain any person, animal or thing involving one or more of the following:
• repetitive or sustained force
• high or sudden force
• repetitive movement
• sustained or awkward posture
• exposure to vibration.
These hazards directly stress the body and can lead to an injury
MINIMIZE INJURY BY:
USE MECHNICAL LIFTING AIDS AND OR TEAM LIFTS WHERE POSSIBLE
WARM UP STRETCHES PRIOR TO STARTING WORK
TASK ROTATION
REGULAR FATIQUE BREAKS
17.3.3 Scaffold erection
The following safe work practices should be used when erecting a scaffold:
• Documentation to refer to prior erecting scaffolding, Safe work methods, scaffold plan, scaffold sequence and
manufactures specifications.
• Scaffold fittings and other connections should be securely tightened where required. Fittings should be in
accordance with the manufacturers or designer’s specifications and the scaffolding plan.

• Scaffolding including all bracing and ties, guy ropes or buttresses should be installed as the scaffold is erected.
• Consider using specifically designed loading platforms or back propping to prevent overloading the building
floor or the scaffold.
• Get certification from a competent person before erecting scaffold on awnings.
• Check live loads arising from the work of erecting or dismantling the scaffold are within the specification for
the final design—the number of workers on the scaffold at any one time may need to be limited.
• Work from a full deck of planks whenever possible.
• Do not overload scaffold bays with scaffolding awaiting installation.
• Do not climb on guardrails to gain extra height.
• Do not climb on outside of scaffold.
• Implement measures to control the risk of a fall if the internal gap—the gap between the inner edge of the
length of the platform and the face of the building or structure immediately beside the platform—on scaffolds
including hanging bracket scaffolds is greater than 225 mm. For example, install:
o edge protection, and
o extra scaffold planks to minimise the size of the internal gap.
After enough components of the scaffold have been erected to support it, immediately install:
• a platform at least 450 mm wide along the full length of the section of scaffold
• edge protection across the space between the standards forming the outer frame of the scaffold at the level
the scaffold has reached, and
• a way to access the scaffold e.g. temporary stairs or a ladder to the level the scaffold has reached.
Before the next level of the scaffold is erected, a platform should be installed not more than two metres below the
position of the next level.
When erecting scaffolding:
• A section of the platform may be left open to allow the passing of planks or other scaffolding between levels.
• A platform may be removed after work has started two levels above the level from which the platform is to
be removed.
• When installing or erecting scaffolds over or beside water, risk controls may include alternative erection
methods, for example prefabrication away from the water and installation by crane.
• The scaffolding should be checked, and any defective scaffolding should be clearly marked with paint or tags
so it is identified and can be removed from the work area to prevent use.

17.4 Scaffold Tag

A Scaffold tag is a system used to record scaffold inspections. During erection of the scaffold, an empty Scaff tag
holder must be attached near each access point to advise persons that the scaffold is under construction and must
not be used.
When the scaffold is complete the senior scaffolder involved with the erection of the scaffold must complete an
inspection of the scaffold and fills in the Scaff tag (front and back).
The Scaff tag details:
• Brief description of scaffold
• Location
• Reference Number (work order number or plan/drawing number)
• Duty (light, medium, heavy)
• Last inspection by Competent Person (date, time and signature)
• Requested by (usually the team leader/ work area coordinator, etc)
• Built by
• Date erected
• Signature
• Contact details (name of competent person and telephone number).
If the scaffold requires modification, the Scaff tag must be removed until the
alterations have been completed. The senior scaffolder (competent person) will
update the Scaff tag, sign it and place it back in the holder.
17.5 Unauthorised Access Controls

When an incomplete scaffold will be left overnight or unattended, the risk controls
to prevent unauthorised access is:
1. The Access should be removed, isolated or barricaded off.
2. Signage/tags indicating that the scaffold is incomplete and must not be used.
17.6 Isolate Defective Equipment

If you identify any defective, damaged or faulty equipment, remove it from use and mark the item to stop anybody
from accidentally using it.
Follow site procedures and use the lock and tag system (if applicable) to isolate damaged or faulty equipment.
• Tag out the faulty equipment with a Danger or Out of Service tag.
• Separate the defective equipment from the usable equipment (quarantine it).
• Report the defective equipment to an authorised person as soon as practicable
so that it can be repaired or disposed of as appropriate.
• Make sure that your report is concise and accurate.
• Provide enough information about the fault or damage so that the relevant person (inspector, maintenance,
etc.) can make an informed diagnosis of the repairability / usability of the item.

17.7 Handover Certificate

You will need to complete a handover certificate when the scaffold is complete. It should contain the following
information:
• The name of the client that the work has been done for.
• Address of the worksite where the tasks were completed.
• The location of the scaffold in the worksite.
• The type of scaffold that was erected (e.g. modular, mobile).
• The height and length of the scaffold.
• The number of lifts and bays in the scaffold.
• The duty category of the scaffold (e.g. light, medium, heavy, special).
• The type of access available (e.g. ladder, ramp, stairway).
• Design reference number.
• Date and time of handover.
• Name and signature of the responsible person.
When a scaffold is fully completed, inspected and deemed safe to use, a handover certificate will be required to
be completed.
17.8 Modifying or Inspecting a Scaffold
Where practicable, the licensed scaffolder who erected the scaffold, and whose name appears on the inspection
record, is to be the person to perform scaffold modifications and inspections.
Prior to modifying scaffold, the scaffolder is to:
• consult the scaffold designer before making alterations
• ensure scaffold alterations are in accordance with the scaffolding plan
• ensure alterations do not compromise the structural integrity of the scaffold, and
• ensure systems are in place to identify unauthorised interference with the scaffold e.g. regular inspections.
Prior to inspecting the scaffold, the scaffolder is to
• Remove the inspection record; and
• Replace with a notification inspection record detailing the date and time of the modification or inspection, the
name of the person performing the modification or inspection and the reason for the alteration where
relevant.
Shown here is an example of an inspection record system of cards:
Inspection Record Card Holder Inspection Record Front Inspection Record Back

17.9 Dismantling scaffolds and equipment

Once you have finished the work at heights you need to check your work instructions to make sure everything has
been done, and to see if there are any other tasks that need to be completed.
When the work is finished, you can dismantle any safety systems and clean up the work area.
The following safe work practices should be used when dismantling a scaffold:
• Safety systems that are not needed anymore should be dismantled in line with site
procedures and the manufacturer’s instructions and removed from the work area.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when disassembling equipment to
ensure the safety of all personnel / workers in the area, to maintain stability during
the process and to prevent any damage to the plant and equipment.
• Edge protection and a way to enter the scaffold can be removed as the scaffold is
dismantled, provided it is removed at the last possible stage.
• During the removal of safety systems make sure you are never in a position where
you could fall from an unprotected edge.
• Where possible a platform of at least 450 mm wide at the level the dismantling has
reached should be in place.
• Ensure when dismantling the scaffold, the platform immediately below the level
the worker is standing on has a full set of planks across its width and is no lower
than 2 metres.
• A section of the scaffold may be left open to allow the lowering of planks or other scaffolding between levels.
• Scaffolding should never be dropped in an uncontrolled way when dismantling the scaffold.
Once they are no longer needed, safety systems such as static lines, fall-arrest harnesses and safety nets should
be dismantled according to the correct sequence and procedures. They should then be removed from the work
area.
17.10 Clear the Work Area and Store Tools and Equipment
When your work is finished (job completed or just finished for the day) you need to make sure the area is tidy
before you leave.
17.10.1 Clearing the Work Area
Follow worksite procedures and wear the right PPE when recovering and removing tools, equipment and materials
from your work area.
Rubbish and other building debris can be a tripping hazard for workers and may have a negative impact on the
environment. You need to make sure all rubbish is collected, sorted and removed or recycled correctly.
Checking and Storing Tools and Equipment
Tools and equipment need to be cleaned, checked, maintained and stored in line with the manufacturer’s
instructions and site or company procedures.
All tools and equipment should be cleaned after use to remove all dirt, mud moisture or other contaminants
that can damage it.
Check tools and equipment for damage or other faults. If anything is wrong you need to report it.
Most tools and equipment will have specific storage instructions to make sure, they will not be damaged
and they can be easily found next time somebody needs to use them.

17.10.2 Reporting All Faults

Any damaged or faulty tools and equipment must be tagged and removed from use
(isolated) to stop anyone else using them.
The problem should be written down in a logbook, checklist or other form.
You also need to tell your supervisor or other authorised person about the
problem.
17.11 Manufacturer requirements for
scaffolding
Manufacturers of scaffolding or scaffolds must ensure, so far as is
reasonably practicable, the plant or structure they design, manufacture,
import or supply is without risks to health and safety. This duty includes
carrying out analysis, testing or an examination and providing specific
information about the plant. Information must, so far as is reasonably
practicable, be passed on from the manufacturer to the end user.
17.12 Setting up Fall prevention and Fall arrest systems, including safety nets
When work cannot be performed on the ground or from a solid construction, you must minimise the risk of a fall
by using a fall prevention device, if it is reasonably practicable to do so. If there is no way to avoid working at
heights, the safest equipment you can use is a fall prevention device.
Fall prevention devices are designed to stop you from falling by not letting you get too close to an unprotected
edge while you work. Fall prevention devices include:
17.13 Temporary Work Platforms
A temporary work platform is a stable platform that can be used to
access the job or the work area while the work is being done and is
removed when the work is finished. The floor of the platform should be
non-slip, large enough for workers, tools and materials and strong
enough to carry it all safely.
Temporary work platforms can also provide a safe way of moving tools
and equipment to the work area.
Temporary work platforms are:
- Scaffolding.
- Elevating work platforms (e.g., boom type, scissor lift or
hydraulic lift).
- Mast climbers.
- Workboxes (crane or forklift lifted).
- Scaffolding
A person with a scaffolding licence must build
any scaffold where a person could fall more
than 4 metres.
The scaffold also needs to have guardrails and kickboards to stop people or tools and equipment from falling over
the edge.
If you are using a mobile scaffold, make sure the wheels are locked whenever you are going to use it.
Make sure the scaffold is on firm flat ground and will not sink under the weight of you, your tools and your
materials. Do not ever let somebody move the scaffold while you are up on it.

17.13.1 Elevating Work Platforms (EWPs)

Elevating work platforms (EWPs) come in different types and sizes such as boom- type, scissor lifts and vertical
mast. Whenever working in an EWP, you should wear a safety harness attached by a lanyard to an anchor point in
the platform.
If you are using a boom-type EWP with a boom that is 11 metres or longer you need a High-Risk Work licence. A
competent person should check the EWP before any work to make sure it is safe to use.
17.13.2 Mast Climbers

Mast climbers are made up of work platforms that are raised and lowered along 1 or
more masts using a hoist motor. They may need to be tied to a building to make sure
they are stable while you use them. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for
information.
Mast climbers need to be set up by somebody with a basic level rigging licence, or
intermediate level scaffolding licence. Other workers can help set up or remove the
mast climber if a licensed person is supervising.
17.13.3 Workboxes - Crane-Lifted Personnel Boxes
Personnel boxes or workboxes are used to lift workers with a crane.
Crane-lifted workboxes are useful for getting access to very high or isolated parts of a
worksite where a scaffold would be difficult to put up.
The workbox must be designed specially to lift people.
17.13.4 Workboxes - Forklifts lifted and Forklift Work

Platforms
Order picking forklift trucks are most
commonly used for stock picking and may
only be operated by somebody with a High-
Risk Order Picker licence. They are designed
to be used on flat level surfaces and must
not be used on rough terrain.
A safety harness with lanyard must be used
by anyone working on an order picker to
reduce the risk of a fall from height.

17.14 Edge Protection Systems

An edge protection system is a barrier set up around the edge of a structure, building
or gap to stop people and objects from falling over the edge. Edge protection should
always be installed when there is a risk of a fall.
The maximum gap allowed between an unprotected platform edge and the working
face is 225mm.
Components can include:
• Handrails or containment sheeting;
• Safety shutters;
• Guard rails;
• Mid-rails; and
• Kickboards on a scaffold.
17.15 Edge Protection

When applying the hierarchy of control, permanent fixed guardrails are an isolation control that separates people
from getting to an open edge gravity (the energy source). A guardrail is designed to withstand a force of 600N
(approx. 60kg) acting outwards and downwards at any point on the top rail, intermediate rail or post this is to meet
AS1657: 2018 section 6.1.1(a).
Therefore, a guardrail is not strong enough to be used as an anchor point
for any Fall arrest/ restraint System. Minimum strength anchors for use
in fall arrest/ restraint will be covered later in the Fall arrest/ restraint
anchor point section of this learner guide.
A guardrail is on a platform and handrails are on stairs. Top rail on a
handrail is to be between 900mm to 1100mm. This is to prevent you from
falling over the top rail (900mm) but also so your hands are around hip
high when hands are on the rail and not too high (up to 1100mm).
17.16 Fall-Arrest Systems

Fall Injury prevention system is a system designed to prevent or arrest a
person's fall from one level to another and minimise the risk of injury or
harm.
Designed to safely stop a worker or materials that have fallen off an edge from hitting the level below.
Components of a Fall-arrest system include:
• Catch platforms.
• Safety nets.
• Individual fall-arrest systems.
17.17 Catch Platforms and Safety Nets

Catch platforms and safety nets are short-term structures that are
installed below a work area to catch a worker if they fall or to catch
falling objects.
They should be strong enough to take the impact of people,
equipment and materials.
Industrial safety nets are sometimes used as fall protection for people working at heights where it is not realistic
to have scaffolds or temporary guard railings.


CPCCLSF2001 Basic Scaffold

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

CPCCLSF2001 Basic Scaffold

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Breight Education – RTO #45006

CPCCLSF2001 Licence to erect, alter and dismantle

Basic Scaffolding Learner Guide

Basic Scaffolding Learner Guide Uncontrolled once printed Page 2

Basic Scaffolding Learner Guide Uncontrolled once printed Page 3

4.6.1 Site details ............................................................................................................................ 20

Basic Scaffolding Learner Guide Uncontrolled once printed Page 4

6.5 Adequate illumination .................................................................................................................. 33

Basic Scaffolding Learner Guide Uncontrolled once printed Page 5

9.2 Measuring .................................................................................................................................... 40

Basic Scaffolding Learner Guide Uncontrolled once printed Page 6

13.5 Fibre rope..................................................................................................................................... 52

Basic Scaffolding Learner Guide Uncontrolled once printed Page 7

17.2 Erecting, altering and dismantling scaffolds and equipment ......................................................... 58

Basic Scaffolding Learner Guide Uncontrolled once printed Page 8

1.1 Scaffolds and scaffolding

1.2 Basic Scaffolding

1.3 Modular or prefabricated scaffolds?

Basic Scaffolding Learner Guide Uncontrolled once printed Page 9

Consult the manufactures specifications for the

Consult the manufactures specifications for the

Basic Scaffolding Learner Guide Uncontrolled once printed Page 10

1.6 Gin Wheel

1.7 Safety Nets and Static Lines

Safety nets should always be installed in line with manufacturer’s specifications.

Basic Scaffolding Learner Guide Uncontrolled once printed Page 11

1.7.1 Safety net inspection

1.7.2 Static lines

Basic Scaffolding Learner Guide Uncontrolled once printed Page 12

1.8 Bracket scaffolds

Scaffold that has a platform carried on frames attached to

2 National Standard for High-Risk Work

2.1 High-Risk Work Licence [HRWL]

2.1.1 Lodging your NOA [Notice of Assessment]

Basic Scaffolding Learner Guide Uncontrolled once printed Page 13

2.2 HRWL Card

You will be required to provide the following information:

2.3 Receival of HRWL card

2.4 Renewing your HRWL

2.5 If your HRWL is expired

2.6 Work Health and Safety (General) Regulations 2022

Basic Scaffolding Learner Guide Uncontrolled once printed Page 14

2.7 Renewal of expired licence

2.8 Responsibility of a HRWL Holder

An employer may request to see evidence before you can commence

• Hold the relevant HRWL; OR

Basic Scaffolding Learner Guide Uncontrolled once printed Page 15

2.9 Regulators Power

2.10 Scaffolding High Risk Licences

WHEN IS A SCAFFOLD LICENCE NEEDED?

Basic Scaffolding Learner Guide Uncontrolled once printed Page 16

Work Health and Safety framework for each state includes:

3.1 Acts and Legislation

Examples of the Acts:

Examples of the Regulations:

3.3 Codes of Practice

Examples of the Codes of Practice:

Basic Scaffolding Learner Guide Uncontrolled once printed Page 17

3.4 Australian Standards

4 Key Elements of The Workplace Health & Safety Legislation

4.1 Workplace safety information relating to your work may include:

Basic Scaffolding Learner Guide Uncontrolled once printed Page 18

4.2 Working at Heights Legislation